SOS CALL

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 134, 8 June 1936, Page 10

SOS CALL

EXCITEMENT AT SUVA KENT TEMPORARILY DRIFTS AORANGI'S READY RESPONSE (By Telegraph—Press Association.) # AUCKLAND, This Day. With her engines stopped, and a strong lee wind drifting her at two and a half knots towards the Mbenga Reef in the Kandavu Passage, near Suva, the Federal Line steamer Kent narrowly escaped disaster last Thursday. She was within six miles of the treacherous rocks when she got under sufficient power to carry her to safety. News of the dramatic incident was brought to Auckland by the Aorangi, which when at Suva received an SOS and was preparing to rush to the rescue—some of the mooring ropes had actually been cast off—when word was received that assistance was no longer required. The first appeal was received at the Suva radio station and the small Burns Philp steamer Malake was already proceeding to the rescue when the reassuring message was received. On the Aorangi the drama was increased because many of the passengers were ashore. Captain Hill suspended cargo operations immediately and the sight of the Aorangi making hurried preparations to put to sea caused a commotion ashore. Many of the passengers were away on excursions. The Aorangi's wireless maintained direct contact for two hours with the Kent, which was two and a half hours' steam from Suva, outward bound to Port Chalmers in continuation of her voyage from London.