WRECKED KAIRAKI LOCATED

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 79, 30 September 1914, Page 2

WRECKED KAIRAKI LOCATED

A DANGER TO SHIPPING. (BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.) GREYMOUTH, 29th September. This morning at about 8 o'clock, the Harbour Board's tug Weetland left Greymoutb. to make a search along the north beach and in the vicinity of Point Elizabeth for any signs of the missing steamer Kairaki. After cruising about for some time, the wreck was located off Point Elizabeth at about 11.30. Three of the ship's derricks were visible above waier, two and a quarter miles from Point Elizabeth, and three and three-quartei miles distant from Greymouth signal station. The> vessel Is lying in twelve fathoms of water, and being right in tho track of shipping, presents some danger to vessels making the trip to and from Greymouth, so that no doubt the authorities will take stops as early as possible to remove the danger. From her position, it is apparent that the Kairaki must have foundered', and this could only have been brought about by the ship becoming unmanageable through accident to her machinery. This leaves no doubt that she became a victim to the fury of the elements last Friday night or Saturday morning, when she "was probably in a helpless condition. Immediately on his return to port, Captain M'Pherson communicated with the Customs authorities and supplied them with particulars of the search. Mr. P. Davies, of the Customs office, then telegraphed to the Marine Department at Wellington as follows:— "Wreck of Kairaki located, bearing W.S.W. magnetic two and a quarter miles from Point Elizabeth, N-W. by N. magnetic, -distant three and a quarter miles from Greymouth signal station. Twelve fathoms. Derrick ends visible. Dangerous to shipping. Wreckage continues to come ashore on the Ten and Seven. Mile Beaches, but so far there are no traces of bodies, and it is probable they will never be recovered. The several stretches of beach are being regularly patrolled 'by police and others.