MISHAP TO THE COMMA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVIII, Issue 11368, 8 September 1897, Page 5

MISHAP TO THE COMMA.

The s.s. Coriuqa, with three hundred tons of coal and fifty tons of merchandise for Timaru, left Lyttelton at half-past six on Monday evening, and arriving off Timaru early yesterday morning, in a very thick fog, over-ran the distance and got among the reefs off Patili Point, just south of Timaru. At 6.10 a.m., the log then showing ninety-eight miles, the engines were stopped for soundings to bo taken, and found five and a half fathoms. The engines were put full-speed astern, and a few minutes later the vessel bumped on something. After drawing farther out she was anchored in seven fathoms. The fog, which was very thick, was blown away by a nor’-wester, and the Corinna got into the harbour at 8.40 a.m. It was found that a small leak had been caused under the engine-room, but a small pump kept the water down. Captain Downie reported the accident to Mr Hart, the Customs officer, who requested the harbour-master to examine the vessel and report whether it would be safe to send her on to Port Chalmers with any temporary leak-stopper that could be fitted, and Captain Clarkson, reporting to this effect, the Timaru cargo was landed and the steamer sent on to Port Chalmers, omitting to call at Oamaru.