SHIP ASHORE

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 140, 10 December 1918, Page 7

SHIP ASHORE

IN WELLINGTON HARBOUR

THE DORSET AGROUND.

Shortly after eight o'clock this morning the Federal and Shire Line steamer Dorset, 7559 tons, took the ground in the vicinity of the north beacon, Ward Island, towards Muritai, while coming up the harbour. Information of the trouble was .nt once sent to the harbour authorities, and in' the quickest possible time Captain J. Dawson (harbourmaster), accompanied by Captain •J. Spence (deputy harbourmaster and pilot), -went out, in the Union Company's tug Terawhiti to tho, assistance of the liner. The Government steamer Janie; Seddon and the tug Pelican followed. High, tide was at nine o'clock, and the three vessels did all in their power K> fet the vessel off, but she seemed to aye got securely a.ground, ■ and they made no impression. It will be high tide again, at about 9,30 to-night, when another effort will be made.

The Dorset commenced her voyage at London, called at Sydney and' Auckland (at which latter port she discharged cargo and passengers), and was on her way to Wellington to complete .loading for Port Said. There was a fajriy strong southerly wind blowing at the time she grounded, accompanied by heavy rain squalls.

The Dorset is commanded by Captain >O. Hughes, whovhas previously visited the port. She was built mv 1903 by Messrs. J. Brown and Co., Ltd., Glasgow, andl Kas a length of 460 feet, a, breadth of 58.2 feet, and a depth of 31 feet. < •

Later information is that the Dorset is on fairly hard sand, and that there is no danger of her becoming embedded] to such an extent that there will be serious trouble in refloating her. Captain Dawson will make another trip out to the vessel this afternoon, and a- further attempt to tow her off will be made at high tide. „

It has at latest advice, been ascertained that the vessel- which is drawing 29ft., will, in the opinion of experts, have to be lightened before there is a good prospect of her being towed off.