THE RIVERINA

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 21 April 1927, Page 5

THE RIVERINA

PASSENGERS LANDED. REFLOATING THE VESSEL. PROSPECTS NOT BRIGHT. BY CABLE—PEESS ASSOCIATION—COPYBIGHT. SYDNEY, April 20. A wireless from the Riverina states that all the passengers, three stewards and the purser were safely landed. The vessel was in a safe position and all on board were well. The owners were endeavouring to bring the passengers to Sydney via Bombala. They were arranging to take them to Bombala by motor cars, thence by train to Sydney. The message from the vessel does not state how the passengers were landed, but it is surmised lifeboats were used, as there would be fairly calm water on the leeward side of the stranded vessel. A. number of vessels which, have been standing off Sydney Heads were able to enter the port to-day. Amongst the number was the Fort Nicholson. The master stated that only tugs would have a chance of getting the Riverina off the beach, where she was lying broadside on to the breakers. He added that, owing to the mist, the Gabo light might not have been for more .than a mile at the time the Riverina went ashore. The tug St. Giles is reported to be off the Shoal Haven heads, and will not reach the stranded vessel till to-morrow. The Riverina is now bumping badly, and becoming more and more firmly embedded in the sand. Even if both of the tugs reach her it is practically certain that they will not be able to pull the badly strained vessel from the shore. With the bad weather which is expected at this period of the year, the Riverina is certain to become a total wreck.

LANDING THE PASSENGERS

HO AY IT WAS ACCOMPLISHED. Received 10.50 a.m. to-day. SYDNEY, April 21. Taking advantage of a lull in the weather, a boat was lowered from the Riverina on the sheltered side and made a successful trip to the shore. A line was attached to either end so that the boat then could be hauled backwards and forwards with passengers aboard till all were landed on the ■beach. Some passengers expressed a desire to remain on the Riverina., but this the captain refused to allow. The passengers, after landing, had an arduous journey to Mallocoota, where they will be accommodated till transportation to Sydney is arranged.