THE CYRENA

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 26 May 1925, Page 5

THE CYRENA

NO CHANGE IN POSITION. MOST OF CREW ASHORE. SERIOUS SITUATION. . (liY TELEGRAPH. PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WANGANUI, May 25. - There is no change in the position of the Cyrena to-night. Most of the officers and crew are ashore. All holds are full of water, but the engine-room, which is siutated aft, is dry. The tug Terawhiti arrived from Wellington at 6 o’clock this evening, but will do nothing till the morning. Lloyd’s surveyor has not yet arrived, and no information as to the steps to be taken in regard to the steamer can be obtained. It is stated that the steamer is badly stranded, a number of plates being buckled, and there are fears, so far not founded on actual investigation. that the Cyrena’s back is broken.

No appreciable progress has been made to relieve the stranded steamer vJviena, which lies some distance above tlie north mole, at Castlecliff, bow on to the shore (says the Wanganui Chronicle). Throughout Sunday night the officers and crew spent a more or less anxious time. A fact of some significance whs the removal to shore quarters of a number of the officers and the majority of the crew early yesterday. This departure was regarded as a somewhat ominous sign, more especially so. when it was known that all four" ho’ds of the steamer were flooded from 10ft to 14ft. The water made ingress to the vessel’s bottom quarters practicallv on the initial stranding, and it was this fact that was a contributing element to the steamer’s unfortunate manoeuvre which brought about her grounding in the position she now occupies. Though seemingly comfortable in her nresent situation, the Cyrena is in anything but an encouraging locale. At the moment she lies in 17ft of water at the break of the poop on the approach of high water. At this tide the bow is afloat, while the stern has considerate play in the water. There is- no possible doubt that the bottom structure of the Cyrena has suffered considerable damage. There is a pronounced feeling of as to the vessel’s ultimate salvage. Very grave doubts exist as regards the possibility of the vessel being safely towed into deep water.

There is no question about the cargo suffering in consequence of the erosion of sea water, the main damage being sustained among the benzine quota of the cargo, salt water having the effect of rustincr the tin. <5. which will, in this circumstance, be rendered liable to puncture and consequent waste. The only portion of the Cyrena that has np.t so far been flooded is the engineroom., which is situated aft. The main damage centres about midships, where a considerable number of plates are buckled.

It is believed that nothing can be done in the way of salvage until a diver inspects the hull. In this particular local mariners point, out that unless enuipned with Hie very’ latest diving plant, which included a lightapparatus for use in dark waters, a diver, considering the muddy water that features the snot where the Cyrena is, has but a minimum chance of making a thorough examination.