SHIP ASHORE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 4 September 1924, Page 9

SHIP ASHORE

RADIO MESSAGE TO AUCKLAND. PROBABLY A TOTAL LOSS. .NO DANGER TO LIFE. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGRI Received Sept. 4, 9.45 a.m. " SUVA, Sent, 4. The steamer Mesna, from Fiji, is ashore between Haaoai and Nukualofa, WELLINGTON, Sept, 4. The Secretary to the General Post Office advises that at 2.5 a.m. to-day and at intervals thereafter the following S.O.S. call was heard at the radio station at Auckland “SOS. Mesna stranded on Hakofis Reef. Need assistance as soon as possible.” ■':;■■■ In answer to an inquiry, the Mesna advised that her true position was latitiide 20.9 south, and longitude 174.55 west. The. message was broadcasted bv radio from Auckland, and communication was established with the Niagara, at a distance of 600 miles, the nearest ship to the stranded vessel. The Receiver-General was also advised by urgent cable, and the Suva radio came into operation at 3.36. At daylight the position was that arrangements were being made at Suva to send assistance to the Mesna. Meanwhile the Niagara was awaiting instructions ready to proceed to the wreck if necessary. A later message stated that the war sloop Laburnum, from Suva, expects to reach the wreck shortly after dark.

'Hie Mesna is a Norwegian vessel, and was bound for Haapai from Nukualofa, It is believed that the ship will become a total wreck, but there is no danger to the lives of the ship’s company.