STRANDING OF THE URUROA.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 186, 14 August 1901, Page 2

STRANDING OF THE URUROA.

SALVAGE OPERATIONS AT A STANDSTILL.

HANDICAPPED BY LACK OF APPLIANCES.

Salvage operations at the stranded scow Ururoa were continued yesterday morning, when efforts were made to recover the lost cable, but unfortunately without success, and tho vessel still lies in a dangerous position .on the Waikanao beach. Early yesterday morning Messrs Kennedy and Evans’ steamer Noko proceeded to the scene, and after cruising about in the vicinity, ascertained the position of tho lost anchor, and buoyed it. In tho afternoon efforts were made to find the end of the line, but owing to the weight of the chain this work proved to bo somewhat difficult. Tho Noko was for over two hours’ grappling for the cable, and as success did not attend the efforts of those on board, the task was abandoned, and the steamer returned to town at half-past three. LACK OF APPLIANCES.

Capt. Olsen has been somewhat handicapped in the salvage operations by lack of appliances, and as there appeared no prospect of securing the lost cable he decided to telegraph to Auckland for 100 fathoms of charcoal laid steel wire, which was to be used this afternoon. It seems strange that a place like Gisborne should be so poorly equipped with appliances for rendering assistance to any vessel that might bo stranded or go ashore on the coast, and we think that the Harbor Board should make some enquiries into the matter and endeavour to improve the present state of affairs. The Tysor line steamer Star of New Zealand has been in port since the scow went ashore, and one would think that a vessel of her description could have supplied those carrying on salvage operations with the necessary length of cable.

OMAPEEE OFFERS ASSISTANCE.

Upon arrival of the Union S.S. Company’s steamer Omaperc from Napier yesterday morning, Captain .Hutton came ashore and offered to give Captain Olsen, of the Ururoa, whatever assistance he could. The Omapere, however, did not possess a strong steel cable, which is the one essential required in connection with the salvage operations, and Captain Hutton's offer could not be availed of. Captain Davidson, tho representative of the New Zealand Underwriters’ Association, is expected to arrive from Napier this morning in connection with the stranding of tho vessel.

WORKING ALONG THE BEACH. With each tide the stranded scow is carried a considerable distance along the beach, this being duo to the force of the current. From tho time tho cable parted on Monday to four o’clock the same afternoon the vessel worked a distaneo of fiftyyards, and between four and five another hundred feet. From Monday afternoon at five o’clock to last evening, the scowhad worked over one hundred and twentyyards nearer Grey street, but at low tide , .' u "™™ to the bank last evening was than she has hitherto been. The salvage operations during the last two days have been watched by a large number of visitors, and traffic along the Waikanao beach has been considerable.

APPLIANCES FROM NAPIER,

We understand that the necessarylength of cable required by Capt. Olsen before ho can resume operations was shipped by’ the To Anau from Napier last evening, so everything should be in readiness for a second attempt to be made to haul the vessel off the beach this afternoon.

PRELIMINARY ENQ UIRY.

It is probable that the preliminary enquiry as to the cause of tho accident will be held by Air McLaurin, Collector of Customs, either to-day or to-morrow.