RONA AGROUND.

Grey River Argus, 28 June 1922, Page 2

RONA AGROUND.

IN NO DANGER YET. PREPARATIONS FOR UNLOADING. AUCKLAND, June 27. The ing Awhiiui nrrivod in the vicinity of the Kona aground on a- flat rock, about 1 a.m., and reported at E 45 a.m. that the Rona was lying quietly. The bow is apparently well fast on the rock. Tin* vessel is quite safe. The tug Awhina returned this morning from the Rona. Captain Gardiner of the Awhina, said that so far as lie could judge, there was no immediate danger of the Rona being totally wrecked. Certainly there was no danger to her crew. If the vessel did not slip off the rock, there was’ every prospect of saving a considerable portion of the cargo of 70(>0 tons of sugar. The light i above Flat Rock was burning, and it seemed extraordinary that the vessel should have grounded in such a position. The night was very dark Mid it was dark, when the tug was alongside. The Rona had tier how fast on Flat Rock. The sea was smooth and calm as in Auckland harbour. This should facilitate salvage operations. Lighters are now alongside the Rona. Before leaving the Rona Captain Gardiner ascertained that water was in one hold, hut there was no immediate danger of it penetrating io other holds. l’re]>r rations for unloading were well under way when he left. With the engines running full speed ahead, there was little prospect of the Rona slip ping off. Until the divers investigated it was impossible to say what is the full extent of the damage, but indications pointed to a fairly big holo in the hull. The Awhina left again this morning for the Rona, with a collision net, End a naval detachment .from the Philomel.