NARROWLY ESCAPED DISASTER

Northern Advocate, 8 June 1936, Page 4

NARROWLY ESCAPED DISASTER

SEA DRAMA NEAR SUVA [Per Press Association. — Copyright.] AUCKLAND, This Day. With, all engines stopped, and a strong lee wind drifting her at 2£ knots towards Moenga Reef in Kandavu Passage, near Suva, the Federal Line steamer, Kent, narrowly escaped disaster on Thursday last. She was within six miles of the treacherous rocks when she again got under sufficient power to carry her to safety. The news of the dramatic incident was brought to Auckland by the Aorangi which, when at Suva, received an S.O.S. She was preparing to rush to the rescue, and some mooring ropes had been cast off, when word was received that her assistance was no longer required. It was the first appeal received by the Suva Radio Station, and the small Burns Philp steamer, Malake, was already proceeding to the rescue when the reassuring message was received. On the Aorangi the drama increased, because many of the passengers were ashore and the handling of cargo was in progress. Captain Hill suspended these operations immediately, and'the sight of the Aorangi making hurried preparations to put out to sea caused commotion ashore. * Many passengers were away on excursions. The Aorangi’s wireless established direct contact with the Kent and maintained it for two hour's in case of necessity. The Kent, which was 2\ hours steaming from Suva, was outward bound for Port Chalmers in continuation of her voyage from London.