KARITANE’S DISASTER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 3107, 28 December 1921, Page 5

KARITANE’S DISASTER.

VESSEL PARTLY SUBMERGED. FOG BELT IN THE STRAITS. Received December 28. 11.55 a.in. MELBOURNE, Dec. 28. The chief engineer of the Karitane, which ,vent ashore in Bass Strait, states that the vessel encountered a thick fog on Saturday norning, and her speed was reduced. Slidienly lie received the command for full jpeed astern. Some time later the Karitane struck heavily, and water poured in everywhere. After two hours’ searching for ;i suitable landing, the vessel was beached in a sinking condition. Captain Burch relates that the Cednna was the first to reach the scene of the KanLano’s disaster. He noticed the want assistance’’ signal, and after the wcathei cleared approached (ho Karitane, which was partly submerged. Captain Spain reported that‘.she had struck in the forepart and dove in the forehold, which was flooded when she was beached. The aftei hold and engineroem were dry. Captain Bnrcli adds that a fog holt seemed to settle for some distance, and Deal Island had all the appearance of the, mainland. The reports vary respecting the salvage. The Herald'slates that the vessel is m a favourable position between boulders amt deep water, while the Telegraph says the vessel will bo a total wreck if south-easterly weather is experienced, for the steamer will break up—Press Association.