THE ELGINSHIRE DISASTER.

Evening Star, Issue 8773, 14 March 1892, Page 2

THE ELGINSHIRE DISASTER.

ABANDONED TO THE UNDER WRITERS.

TIMARU, March 14

A final attempt to tow off the Elginshire on behalf of the owners yesterday proved a failure. The vessel was not moved an inch. At 6 p.m. the tags cast off, notice of abandonment was given, and Captain Ticehsrst took possession on behalf of the underwriters, The crew were taken off, and the engineers and firemen re-engaged to keep the refrigerators and pumps going. She is not making moch water to-day. A strong force of men with surf boats, and the ketch Comet, have been taken down to discharge the cargo. Only a few hundred carcasses of mutton have been thrown overboard, and an effort will be made to try and save the meat by landing here and railing it to the various freezing works. It is reported, however, that the meat in the main chamber is tainted. After its discharge the tugs will be put on again, and the present managers hope to see her afloat inside of forty-eight hours. The sea is quiet to-day. Thousands of people congregated to witness yesterday’s pull by the two tugs and the s.s. Brunner, The Brunner got fast to the lines from the mast-tope, which caused a slight roll when the sadden strain wee put on, but there was not the faintest pitching on the seas running fore and aft.

An inquiry into the cause of the mishap will be held on Thursday or Friday. Work is now going on for the benefit of whom It may concern. Lloyd’s agent is waiting instructions from Some re sale of the vessel or a farther effort to raise her.

Mr Mill, stevedore, proceeded down to the scene of the wreck this morning. If the weather keeps fine and the vessel holds together the refrigerating engines (which are valued at L 9.000, and in her ’tween decks) may be saved, also part of her main engines and other gear. She is firmly embedded between two rocks, and at low water there is only 6ft of water under her stern.