COASTAL SHIP AGROUND

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26122, 26 May 1950, Page 6

COASTAL SHIP AGROUND

TOA STUCK ON BAR AT WHAKATANE ATTEMPTS AT REFLOATING FAIL (New Zealana t'-rest. Association, m AUCKLAND. May 25. The Northern Steamship Company's 220-ton coaster. Toa, went aground when entering Whakatane Harbour shortly after noon to-day. Efforts to refloat her failed. Nothing further will be done until the company’s coaster. Kapiti. arrives from Tauranga about noon to-morrow. The Toa is commanded bv Caotmn J. Appleton, of Auckland. It was being towed into the harbour oenmd the Whakatane Harbour Boards launch on a full tide. Turning above the bar the vessel yawed slightly, touched bottom and swung broadside on to the shore. She then drifted about 150 yards before coming to rest on the bottom. The weather was fine at the time with a light north-easterly blowing. There was no sign of the weather getting worse late to-night although the force of the wind increased slightly during the afternoon. The Kaoiti will attempt to refloat the stranded vessel at high water tomorrow which is just after 1.30 p.m. In the meanlime the crew is remaining on board. The coaster was carrying a cargo of paoer pulp for the Whakatane Board Mills.