THE RECENT GALE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 23 June 1911, Page 5

THE RECENT GALE.

HEAVY SEA ON THE WEST COAST.

THE TAKAPUNA "DAMAGED

(United Press Association.) WESTPORT. Thursday. The Union S.S- Coy.'a ■steamer Takaptuia, which this week took up tho Mapourika's West Ccast passenger run. had a navow escape from disaster when entering the Buller river to-day. There was a heavy sea on the 'bar. and the vessel, steering badly, struck the eastern wall and subsequently she got into the lagoon, but drifted out again into the river, where Captain C. ilcbean drop-ped-anchor. The--vessel drifted over to the eastern training wall and was bump hg there until the West port Coal Coy.'s oilier Regulus went to her assistance and towed her up to the wharf, assisted ■by the tug Mana. The Takapuua's stern cost was carried away, and it is understood the vessel is leaking, but the full extent. of the. damage not known. Those on board gave credit-to Cant. McLean for his handling of the boat" in her critical position. Friday. As the Takapuna was coming into port yesterday afternoon in the teeth of a strong flood in the river the rudder shank was broken by c heavy- sea. ■"hen the steamer was within a ship's length of the bar. The steering gear became useless and the vessel struck tho last breakwater and cannoned across to the south breakwater. She ran up to the lagoon. but drifted into the stream and brought up alongside the eastern training wali. The Regulus and the tug Mana brought her to the wharf. Xo damage has been done except to the rudder shank. A jury rudder will be rigged- and the vessel wiL! be towed to Wellington. The -steamer's operations in the river were watched by hundreds of Coronation frolidav-makers.