WIRELESS BRINGS PROMPT HELP.

Evening Star, Issue 18531, 14 January 1924, Page 8

WIRELESS BRINGS PROMPT HELP.

CREW TRANSFER TO SISTER SHIP. [Pus United Pek?3 Association,] GISBORNE, January 13. A serious shipping mishap occurred near the East Cape about midnight on Saturday, when in thick weather tho Commonwealth and Dominion liner Port Elliot, bound from Auckland to Wellington, stranded near Horoera Point, halfway between To Araroa and East Cape, and between eighty and eighty-five miles north of Gisborne. At half-past 8 this morning the vessel was lying on a reef of soft papa about 300 yards off shore. The bow of the vessel is slightly dipped, and the stern is out of tho water. Two propeller blades are showing. The sea is now calm, with a light north-east wind. Late on Saturday night the weather in the vicinity of the East Gape was misty, and a low-lying fog hung over the water. Shortly after midnight the settlers in the neighborhood of Horoera Point were awakened by a ship’s siren, followed by distress signals. The settlors did not interpret the signals to mean any groat danger to a vessel, as it was thought it was a wool boat nosing her way through the heavy fog. At daybreak, however, a big vessel was seen lying helpless close in shore, being about 150 to 170 yards out at low water. Tho settlers at once got into communication with Te Araroa. The crew of about seventy had taken to the boats at about 3.30 a.m., and remained lying near the ship till the arrival of the_ Government steamer Tutanekai at daylight. The Tutanekai had received a wirelsss message from the Port Elliot when-she first struck, and the Government vessel raced to the scene. This afternoon boats remained lowered near the ship in case of emergency, with two men standing by each boat.

The first notice of the mishap was received in Gisborne at five minutes after 1 a.m. from Auckland. A telegraphic message stated that a wireless message had been received that the Port Elliot was stranded sixty miles north of Gisborne. An hour later the Port Victor left Napier for the scone. She should arrive this afternoon.

The Arahura, which loft Gisborne at 2.15 p.m. on Saturday for Auckland, was in the Bay of Plenty at the time she received a wireless message, and she raced back and stood by the disabled liner until early morning. The Awahcra, on the way to Auckland, left at 7 o’clock on Saturday night and reached tho scene of the grounding at 3 o’clock this afternoon. After receiving an assurance from the master of the Port Elliot that all was safe in the meantime the Tutanekai proceeded to Hicks Bay, returning to the wreck again about 2 o’clock this afternoon. At 4.30 this afternoon a slight northerly wind was blowing, with an increased swell on the sea. Tho weather, which had cleared some-,/hat in the morning, had changed again to mist and rain. Tho steamer had not shifted much since she first struck. Her forehold is leaking badly, and there are Bft of water in the engine room. Tho spectators on shore state that several of the ship’s plates are twisted and buckled. If tho_ weather keeps fine it is considered there is a good chance of salving the cargo. Tho Burn is to be despatched from Napier to-night, and the Koutunui from Tclaga Bay. Both vessels will assist in salvage operations.