S.S. TARATAHI

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1929, Page 3

S.S. TARATAHI

ENGINE TROUBLE NEAR

BLUFF.

Telegraph—Per Press Association,

INVERCARGILL, May 9

The officers and crew of the steamer Taratahi spent an anxious afternoon re-day, when on account of engine troub.e, the vessel was in danger ot being driven on to the rocks in the vicinity of Waipapa, about 17 miles from Bluff.

The Taratahi, of 124' tons gross, is engaged in the oyster trade, and she leit Bluff at 6.30 this morning for the beds between Green Island and Dog irtland.. All went well u'ntjil the wjeathar conditions forced them to give up oystering for the day. She had just got under way for the Bluff at 11.15 when the engines stopped, on account of boiler trouble. Another boat of the oyster fleet, the Cowan, rendered what assistance she could, and proceeded to BJuff or assistance.

The Theresa Ward, in charge of the harbourmaster, Captain Lindsay, immediately put to sea, and located the Taraathi within two hours of the report reaching Bluff. The captain of the Taratahi had kept.a kedge anchor to hold the ship’s head to the wind and sea, but the vessel dragged the anchor for some miles, always approaching the dangerous coast line. '

A .line was made fast, and at 3,25 the vessel left for Bluff, which was reached without incident. It is stated that only the precaution taken by Captain Johnson, of the Taratahi, in putting out the kedge anchor, saved .the vessel from destruction.