HOW RONA HIT FLAT ROCK

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 233, 28 June 1922, Page 5

HOW RONA HIT FLAT ROCK

RAN STRAIGHT AT LIGHT WHILE TRAVELLING AT TEN KNOTS SHIP IN EXPOSED POSITION PROSPECTS OF REFLOATING GOOD BY TaLEGBAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION. Auckland, June 27. The bow of the Rona appears to be firmly wedged in the centre of Flat Rock, and is tilted up only a little, with the result that the slope from stem to stern down the vessel’s length of 400 feet is not very pronounced. There is, however, a depth of no Ipsa than 18 fathoms under the stern, and as a safeguard against the Rona slipping back the engines are kept running at from half to full speed ahead. Immediately in front of the steamer in a straight line is the beacon, still blinking mockingly, which, instead of serving its intended function of salvation, lured its victim into the snares of the wicked, long, low rocks. Ship Ran Straight at Light. The Rona, it is apparent, ran straight at the light. There is, in deed, but twenty or thirty feet separating them, and until an inspection is made from the bow itself it would appear, standing on the deck further back, to be quite easy te stretch out one’s hand and touch the lighthouse structure. The pinnacles on the rock are not high, and at low tide the highest, near the base of the lighthouse, appear to be only about nine feet out of the water. The dimensions of the rock actually showing at that time would bo about 40 yards from east to west and twenty yards north to south. Where the Rona struck the rocks are covered by tour or five feet of water at low tide. A length of about thirty feet of tho forepart of the ship seems to be resting on the rocks. Ship Travelling at Full Speed. The Rona' was being driven along at full spesd—ten knots—when she crashed into the rocks. It xs understood that Captain Wallis had left the bridge seventeen minutes before, Chief Officer Grantley remaining, ine effect of the impact was more severe in some portions of the ship than m others. . Some officers, who were seated in the saloon and cabins, state that ths bump was not particularly severe, but those, standing in ot.ier parts of the vessel wore thrown violently forward. In the engine-room the shock of the collision was very acute, and for a few moments > tho men had some difficulty in keeping their feet. No damage was done to tho machinery. The order was immediately given to stand by tho after lifeboats, these were slung out quickly.! In the meantime the forward end was examined, it being found that there was a lot of water in No. 1 hold, but the vessel appeared to bo firm on tho rocks. angor of Y/ator Rising. It is hoped that the rqmovaßof ths cargo from No. 2 hold will have the effect of bringing the bow well of the water and facilitating jffie refloating of tho vessel. fhere is a danger of the water in No. 2 hold rising above the water-tight bulkheads, which end 12 feet below the mam deck, and leaving the shelter deck open from end to end. Before any cargo was transferred the bulkhead between Nos. 1 and 2 holds and the lower ho d hatches in No. 1 hold were securely fastened down to prevent the water flowing from the forepart to No. 2 h °A’collision mat, taken down by a party from the Philomel, will be used to prevent any more water entering the holds, providing the report of ths diver is favourable. Everything Depends on tho Weather. A great deal will depend on the weather, as even a moderate gale would probably disturb the position of the Rona, which is naturally exposed. Rena's Officers. The ship’s crew numbers 52, the officers being: Captain, J. A. WalLs, first officer, C. T. Grantley; second, E S Stafford; third, TV. Balharry, first engineer, J. Morrison; second, W Matthews; third, T. W. Wolfe; fourth, W Freeman; fifth, G. Dempster; wireless operator, A. N. wick ham; chief steward, 3. Russell; Parser, H- £• Moorhouse; assistant purser, R. Mowatt. “FAIRLY BIG HOLE” IN HULL PROSPECTS OF SALVING CARGO. Auckland, June 27. The tug Awhina returned this morning from the Rona. Captain Gardnierf of the Awhina, said that as far f>fi ho could judge, there was no wnmechate danger of the Rona being totally wrecked, and there was certainly no danger to her crew. If the vessel did not slip off the rock there was.every prospset of saving a considerable por tion of her cargo of 7000 tons of sugar. Tho light above Flat Rock was burning. The night was very dark, and it was dark when the tug was alongside Tho liona had her bows fast on lajb Rock. The sea was as smooth and calm as Auckland harbour, this should facilitate salvage Lightens are now alongside the Rona. Before leaving the Rona, Captain Gardiner ascertained that water was in one hold, but there was no immediate danger of it penetrating to tee other holds. Preparations for unloadin'' were'well under way when he Iclt. With the engine running full speed ahead, there was little prospect of tho Rona slipping off. Until divers investigated it was impossible to say what is the full extent of the damage, but the indications pointed to a fairly big hole in the hull. . 1 The Awhina left again this morning for the Rona with a collision mat ana a naval detachment from H.M.B. Philomel. VESSEL’S STERN ALMOST 1 AWASH Auckland, Jpne 27. A “Star” reporter states that the vessel is in a very pyocarious position. She lies with about 30ft. of her bow 1 hanging on the ledge of Flat Rock, which is low-lying, and only a fewdozen yards in extent. The rest of the vessel is in deep water and so low that it is almost awash. There is a flashing light on the rock. The weather was clear, and the sea calm, and the Flat Rock light and Tiri Island light were picked up. The captain, it is stated, left the bridge for a few minutee to get his top coat.

and just as he returned to the bridge tho vessel struck “full and fair. The Rona’s forecastle is within 39ft of the automatic light, which is fixed on a concrete tower 25ft. high. RONA MAY BE REFLOATED ON THURSDAY IF WEATHER CONTINUES FINE By tbleguafh—press association. Auckland, June 21 /midnight). Two lighters sent to remove the sugar from the Rona’s No. 2 hold have returned to port. Five other vessels sent down to-day are cxpcctetj to return in the morning with their work completed. A wireless message from the Rons just received states that the vessel could float now, but more cargo will be ’ discharged to ensure suffident buoyancy. ’ I’r It is Expected that the vessel will be refloated on Thursday if the weather continues fine. Divers will inspect the hull to-mor-row.