A THRILLING MOMENT.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19196, 30 December 1927, Page 6

A THRILLING MOMENT.

KAITOA NEARLY WRECKED ON GREY BAR. MISHAP TO STEERING GEAR. (SPECIAL TO THE PBISS.) GREYMOUTH, December 29. The officers, crew, and passengers of the Anchor Line Company's steamer Kaitoa, which arrived at Greymouth at 2.35 o'slock this afternoon from Westport with twenty-one trotting horses aboard, had some eventful experiences on the trip from the northern port. The Kaitoa left Westport at 11 o'clock yesterday morning, but when she reached the Grey roadstead about six hours later, a heavy sea was running on the bar, and as the weather was dirty, the Kaitoa stood out to sea to await a favourable opportunity to make port to-day. The vessel, being in light trim, was tossed about like a cork in the rough seas during tne night, and the passengers, who were feeling sick and sorry, heaved a sign of relief when the steamer was signalled to take the bar this afternoon. The Kaitoa had been proceeded into port by another Anchor Line steamer the Titoki, the water being much smoother when the Kaitoa 8 turn came to negotiate the bar. Hie steamer headed for port and all went well until she got on the bar when those waiting on the wharf for the arrival of the vessel saw her steadily swing round broadside on to the bar and head for the rocks on the north tiphead. . , Cries of "She's going on the rocks and "The Kaitoa's wrecked" rang out from the crowd, some of whom were making ready to hasten to the north beach to render assistance to those on the apparently doomed vessel. Just as the steamer seemed to touch the rocks, however, the tension of the now excited crowd was relieved (by seeing her steam full speed astern from her perilous position into deep water and bring her bow on to the river channel, to cross the bar safe and reach the wharf about 15 minutes later. . It was at first thought the vessel was buffeted by a big roller, but the misadventure was due to the steering gear becoming momentarily jammed just as the ship got on the bar. The steamer's marvellous escape from being thrown on the rocks of the tiphead was due to smart seamanship in promptlv going full speed astern. Had the mishap occurred an hour earlier it is doubtful if the steamer could have been saved, as she would probably have been struck by one of the heavy rollers which were then running on the bar. , The voyage from Westport, a distance of about 65 miles by sea, occupied nearly twenty-eight hours. The passengers, who were chiefly horseowners and trainers, were given a hearty welcome by the large gathering assembled on the wharf. Among the horses aboard were Du Mauriev, Kreisler, Rap, Lady Brent, Myrtle Dillon, Logan Lad, Meritor, Kawana, Challenger. Mao Dillon, Audo Chief, Hope Dillon, Mat Audubon, Bonny Audubon, Sedmere, and Nigger Minstrel. After a stay of three hours in port, the Kaitoa sailed for Nelson.