FERRY STEAMER DAMAGED

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 September 1933, Page 5

FERRY STEAMER DAMAGED

COLLISION AT LYTTELTON WITH FLOATING CRANE [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, September 5. Damage totalling over £lOOO was done this morning, when the ferry steamer Rangatira, from Wellington, crashed into the floating crane, Rapaki, at Lyttelton. The Rangatira pushed the Rapaki astern into the breastwork, crushing the pilot, launch Ruahine against the piles, and smashing four piles. The Rangatira had two stern plates damaged but will sail for Wellington to-night, for repairs. LATER. The resounding crash was heard all over the port, as the huge floating crane crashed the launch Ruahine against the breastwork,, and finally pushed it over the four broken piles to rest under the staging. The Rapaki’s stern plates were damaged, and much of the protective belting torn. The damage to the craneship is estimated at £2OO. Repairs .to „the launch Ruahine • ar'e expected to cost at least £lOO.

The accident is ascribed to the failure of the Rangatira’s engines to go ahead as she backed into the berth. ' A diver is now 'making an underwater examination of the stern of the Rangatira, but. it- is stated that she is not making water.