ACCIDENT TO THE S.S. TAUPO.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXV, Issue 7863, 19 May 1886, Page 3 (Supplement)

ACCIDENT TO THE S.S. TAUPO.

GISBORNE, April' 2B. The s.s. Taupo, Captain M'Coll, from Napier to Gisborne, with seven passengers, Messrs Whinray, Chutter, §cally. Constables Leonard and White; and about 500 tons of cargo, went ashore at 1.30 a.m., on the rocks, two and a-half miles, to the eastward of Gisborne. The weather at the time was fine, although it was rather a dark night, and the sea was smooth. As soon as the vessel struck, rockets were sent up, which were at once observed, and preparations were made for going to her assistance. Meanwhile, the s.s. Rosina, on her passage to Tologa Bay, had also seen the rockets, and returned to give assistance. The Rosina, with one passenger and one of a crew, steamed to Gisborne and took off the Collector of Customs and the Harbourmaster, who had been making preparations to proceed to the wreck. The Taupo was found lying on the reef, the same as that touched by the Te Anau some time ago. The sea being perfectly smooth, there was no excitement, and no danger to life. Preparations were at once made. Anchors were carried out, lighters were sent off, and the cargo belonging to the Taupo is being discharged. The amount of damage cannot yet be ascertained, but it is thought the ship's bottom must be much damaged, and her propeller stripped. Should the weather remain fine, it is probable the Tanpo may be got off at high, water. After discharging about 100 tone of cargo, at 11 a.m., an attempt was made to get the Taupo off, and was successful. She is now steaming up to the anchorage. WELLINGTON, April 28. The steamer is valued at .£22,000, and she is insured for about three-fourths of her value. NAPIER, April 29. The Taupo arrived at 2.15 this morning. She was' met and accompanied to her anchorage by the steam launch Boojam, which had gone out half an hour before. The Taupo was brought inside and berthed at the breastwork and lightened aft, and so put down by the head for the , purpose of raising her stern so that the remains of the broken propeller blades might be removed and new ones screwed on. Ant inquiry into the circumstances was held this afternoon, before the Collector of Customs. The evidence taken will be forwarded to Wellington. Reporters were not admitted. The vessel does not leak, and no plates appear to be broken., though her bottom is considerably bulged. She is being lightened aft so that the screw can he got at, and ..as soon as the two, new blades are put in, she will sail on her voyage, unless ordered to return to Dunedin.