LOSS OF CYRENA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 17 June 1925, Page 5

LOSS OF CYRENA.

CAPTAIN’S- EVIDENCE.

IBY TKLKGKAPB PRESS »“SOt)IATTON

WANGANUI, June 16

At the nautical inquiry to-day into the wreck of the Cyrena the harbourmaster’s assistant confirmed the pilots statements a§ to the soundings taken o n the bar saying that the depth at high water, when the Cyrena attempted to cross,, was 18ft. 7in. Captain Paterson, of the .Cyrena, said the steamer, was drawing 16rt. 6in. after the vessel grounded, and one sounding showed 17 feet. The vessel was fast for some distance amidships and towards the stern, but was afloat at the bow and. the stern. The cargo was trimmed and the water ha last adjusted and the draught at the stern lessened by one foot in an effort to get over the obstruction. At eight o clock that night the, holds were dry, but at 8.30 there wa s v W feet of water in the after hold and 10 feet in the fore hold-. . : Damage was caused by the Cyrena lifting and bumping heavily. She was drjfting broadside on to the north mole and taking a'l the seas she could get. She appeared to he not rigid and to be very seriously damaged, the structure giving indications of lunging amidships. Using engine power and the helm lie was able to get her stern to the sea before she finally settled. He squared her and put the engines ahead till she was firmly ashore. He could hear the plates cracking, so much so that he was anxious to get- the ship firmly settled in order to obviate further damage. From the time of the intiai stranding the Cyrena never left the bottom. In consequence of all these circumstances witness’ concluded that the state of the steamer was hopeless. An inspection next morning showed buckling of the plates on the starboard side. Witness did not think the damage could hare been sustained on a soft mud bottom.