THE MAITAI

Marlborough Express, Volume LI, Issue 6, 8 January 1917, Page 8

THE MAITAI

A PASSENGER'S STORY,

DETAILS OF THE DISASTER.

fpßusa Association.] AUCKLAND, Jan. 8. A passenger by the Maitai supplied the tolSouing story:—We arrived at Riuotonga about* four o'clock in the afternoon, of Christmas Day. Towards evening we steamed to the anchorage, and many passengers went ashore in lighters to spend a few hours sightseeing. The crew were engaged "picking up the anchor which the Maitui lost here oh a previous trip. It was later noticed that the vessel was drifting. About 9.20 p.m. all efforts to move hex off- were of no avail. She evidently-drifted'at a good speed and was fast on the rocks. She had been caught amidships on" the reef. The lead was cast and 32 fathoms were shown.

Realising that the steamer was in a dangerous position arrangements •nere immediately made for taking the' pa-sse-ngers ashore. This work was particularly hard, as the swell waa heavy and the surf was breaking near. Ther mails were taken off. The surf increased in force and the heavy swell wade the steamer roll heavily, hampering-the work of the crew, who \yere thrown to the decks each time the steamer rolled. _ All night long the men worked, until alkrat 1 a.m. next day, when the rising water in 'the hold forced the firemen to quit. Lighters were then used Ito carry the ship's stores ashore. Attempts at refloating her were' abandoned, as the steamer gradually worked her way further on to the reef. Early next morning natives were obtained from shore, and the work of removing tihe ship's fittings and cargo was commenced. This was slow, owing to' there being no steamin the wmches. At three o'clock in the afternoon of Boxing Day there were fifteen feet of water in No. 3 hold, but most-of the cargo had' been ;r«7npred before the water gained ground. Shortly after this the ship's company was taken ashore and most of tho work left to the natives.