WRECK OF THE OOMA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 27 March 1926, Page 8

WRECK OF THE OOMA.

CREW ARRIVE AT LYTTELTON

STORY OF STEAMER’S LOSS.

The crew of the steamer Ooma, which was wrecked on a reef off Ocean island, were landed at .Ly'ttelton on Tuesday' from the Crossbill. Fiftythree of the crew of the Ooma were Filipinos, and they appeared to be a very' happy lot as the vessel made her way up t-lio harbour. The Ooma went on the reef at Sydney Point, off Ooma Vilfage, on February 8 at 9 a.m. The weather at the time was fine and clear, with a light south-south-west breeze, and there was a smooth sea. Every effort to get power failed, and the assistance of the Nauru Chief, which was lying off the island waiting to load, was obtained. Several hawsers and tow lines were made fast to the Ooma, and repeated attempts were made during the whole of that day r by the Nauru Chief without any results. On the following day the Puarlmoor, which was also waiting to load, took up the operations, but she too failed to improve the vessel’s position, and the attempt to tow the Ooma off was 'abandoned. The vessel had already been lightened of a portion of her cargo. She continued unloading until westerly weather prevented further operations. Heavy seas washed the Ooma further ou to the reef and she became a total wrek. The following ohicera of the. Ooma arrived this morning: Messrs J. Roy', muster; N. Anderson, chief officer; W. Shrader, second officer; N. Olsen, wireless operator. The following engineers from the Nauru Chief, who have exchanged places with the engineers of the Ooma, also arrived: Messrs 11. Chambers, chief; T. Boyes, second; C. S. Johnson, third; J. Martin, fourth. The officers went north to connect with the Uiimaroa tit Auckland for Sydney. The remainder of the crew will remain on board until the Crosslull reaches Sydney.