WRECK OF THE S.S. TARANAKI.

Hawke's Bay Weekly Times, Volume 2, Issue 86, 24 August 1868, Page 204

WRECK OF THE S.S. TARANAKI.

The Evening Post of the 22nd gives the following particulars of the loss of this vessel :•—

The Lady Bird arrived from Picton this afternoon, having called oh her way at the scene of the wreck of the Taranaki. The particulars, which we gave in a previous issue, of the circumstances which had attended the loss of that fine steamer, are now confirmed. The Taranaki steamed into Tory Channel at 4.40 p.m., on the 19th inst., following the usual course taken by steamers entering that passage. The tide was unusually strong on that day, it being full and change, and at that hour it was making fast. When nearly abreast of the Boat Harbor Rock, an inside eddy caught the port bow of the steamer, then going at full speed- .while, at the same time, the strong tide taking effect upon her starboard counter, slewed her round with rapidity upon the rock. Captain Francis, as a matter of course, bad charge of the deck at the time, and at once ordered the. engines to be reversed. It was too late, however, and the ill-fated vessel, the helm of which had been put bard over, refused to obey, and, with the impetus of steam arid tide combined, she was hurled upon the rock, clearing it, and carrying away bodily her screw when first her stern touched it. Captain Francis, whose zeal and exertions, deserve the highest praise, perceiving that the steamer was making water fast, ordered the boats out to tow her as near the shore as possible. The water bad soon gained and put the fires out, and after being towed fur three miles inside the Sound, she suddenly went down stern first. Less than balf-an-hour later would have sufficed to have have had her beached, but unfortunately, while being towed she grounded upon a rock, upon which she hung for some time, until the flo,od floated her off it. The passengers were landed in various places along the beach, and received the greatest kindness and attention at the hands ,of Mr Bowden and his family, who turned out of their beds to abcomraodate the shipwrecked ladies, and offered everything they had for the use of every- " body. We regret, however, to bear that some- of the. passenger diggers, who had already distinguished themselves by not assisting'when wanted, rather abused the hospitality thus ; so kindly' offered. •.; The Airedale picked up the passengers arid the little quantify of luggage they succeeded in„ saving, arid conveyed them on,;. together with the mails, to their destination. The Taranaki lies now in about 14 fathoms. At dead low water yesterday her masts were plainly Visible, the top being only about two feet’below the surface, and easily touched tirith an oar. The diver went down and proceeded soine 'distance along the main rigging to ascertain Her;'true position. She lies nearly upright.; The hatches have, not burst, off yet, nor has anything floated froiri her. There are various opinions as to the likelihood of her being raised. * Capt. Renner, who proceeded in charge of the Ladybird, thinks that with the assistance of two steamers he might; succeed; in briuging her .upon the beach by degrees ; and fthe proposition as explained to us . seems certainly -very . feasible. The directors of the cois- ' panymeettq night.arid perhapssoiriething defiriite; mil; The .Lady bird;brought oyer the.oii&cers and crew of/the; Taranaki/Wamong whom we perceived;,our; old friend; Captain Frarici3; : ; jfori;; who m;; the > ? very manyfriendsthatgentlemanhasmade during the been sympathy;;*? T^ tfie3Act^/^lj 5 doubt, ; •: . - : \' <v T . v