TASMAN SINKS QUICKLY

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 113, 13 May 1921, Page 8

TASMAN SINKS QUICKLY

FURTHER DETAILS.

(IX TIMfKIFI.—HII9 AIItCUTMN.)

TAURANGA, 12th May.

The local agent of the Northern Steamship Company received a telephone message from the officials of the Public Works Department at Pikowai, six-miles west of Matata, this morning, that two boats had just landed on the beach. Later, another boat, in the charge of Captain Grigg, landed at Matata. The occupants of the boats proved to be the crew and passengers of the Tasman, trading between Auckland and Whakatane. ■■

On the voyage to the latter port the vessel struck Raurimu Reef, about 'six miles off the mouth of the .Tarawem. River, and about the same distance west of Whale Island, at 3.40 o'clock this morning, during a southerly squall. The captain got ashore at 10 o'clock, and telephoned that the vessel floated for about twenty minutes, and'there was only time to get the passengers and crew into boats, nothing being saved;

Seven passengers and the captain and crew, numbering about sixteen, Were sll saved, but were somewhat exhausted after a long pull and a biting cold wind.

Prior to the purchase by the Northern Steamship Company, the Tasman was engaged in the Cook Strait trade.

. WHAKATANE, 12th May. The ship struck bow on, and was backed off. An attempt was made to steam the vessel ashore, but as she was making water rapidly, the crew and passengers took to the boats, and just got clear when she sank. ■ ,

• The Tasman previously hit a reef near the same place, but got off without damage. ,The party in the boats tried to land at the Tarawera outlet, but, being unable to do so, headed along the coast.

The Public Works drainage men were luckily at the spot when the party landed, and helped them ashore, otherwise a landing, would hardly have been possible. • j \ •

The Pnblic Works Department Taw an engine and truck, and carried the party to Matata, and then, by motor-car to an hotel, where everything was done for their comfort. :

Two of the three ladies of the party had no boots, and only two men had boots. All the passengers lost their effects. . ;

Local business men are heavy losers through the loss of the cargo.