SHIPPING CASUALTIES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15920, 4 May 1912, Page 12

SHIPPING CASUALTIES.

WRECK AT SOCIETY ISLANDS. AMERICAN SCHOONER LOST. [Pur Patss Absocutioh.] AUCKLAND, May 3. The Talune, which a.rrived at Auckland to-day from the Islands, brought news of the wreck of the American three-masted schooner G. W. Watson, on a reef at Raiatea in the Society Islands, on April o. The schooner had completed discharging a cargo of lumber .from Puget Sound, and was proceeding to sea under the charge of a pilot, when she struck on a reef in tho channel. She remained hard and fast for several hours, but eventually floated off and proceeded on her voynge to San Francisco. The vessol had barely cleared the island when it was discovered that she was fast making water. The pumps were manned and an endeavour was made to keep the water under.

After manoeuvering about for somo ; j time tho captain decided to return to Raiatea. and the vessel was headed for tho north-west passage. Tt was while attempting to negotiate this passage that she came ■to her ond. By this timo the water had gained considerably and on the wells being again Founded it was found that eleven feet of water was in her holds. Tho ship became unmanageable, and struck a reef about seven miles before reaching the passage. She then settled on the reef and ; soon became a total wrick. When the Talune passed the spot on April IS, onlv, the forepart of the ves- | sol was visible. Tho wreck was subsequently purchased by natives for a I small sum. j The captain and his wife and the crew, numbering seven, successful in reaching the shore. Tho.v prbcreded by tho Talune to Raratonga, where they joined the mail eteamer Anranod. for San Francisco.