THE RAMA WRECKED.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 2 December 1924, Page 5

THE RAMA WRECKED.

UNCHARTED ROCK STRUCK. (BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION. . WELLINGTON, Dec. 1. The Kaitoa arrived to-night with the crew of the Rama, which was wrecked on November 17 at Chatham Island. Interviewed, Captain Cartener said he was steering the usual course when leaving Kaingaror* A heavy sea was running, and the vessel was lifted on the swell. It settled on Pinnacle Rock, striking beneath the boilers and making water rapidly. The master decided to beach the vessel at Okawa, and struck a hard rock, further’ damaging the vessel. The crew were sent ashore, and the master and mate stood by. While the northerly gale was blowing the vessel rested easily, but a southerly sprang up at midnight on Thursday, necessitatmg their leaving the ship, which was 400 yards off the shore. Hatches and loose gear came ashore with high water. The vessel grounded a bigger hole in its and settled securely, the ship’s papers and the crew’s gear Were saved, the crew being well looked after by the Barker family. The vessel carried 120 tons of coal forward, 90 tons aft, and 100 tons in her bunkers, besides 200 cases of cod. Captain Cartener has been trading to the Chathams for many years without knowing of the existence of this rock, which was not marked on the chart. The last survey was in 1868. Lli6 captain frequently took soundings himself, marking the result of these on his chart. No knowledge of the rock was possessed by the local fishermen. Rough southerly weather was still jailing while the Kaitoa was at the Chathams. Lloyds’ surveyor (Mr Taykw, of-Christchurch') visited the wreck. He would not 6ay that the Rama could be salvaged.