THE HIMITANGI.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 7 March 1912, Page 5

THE HIMITANGI.

STRANDED AT THE CHATHAMS, PASSENGERS AND CREW SAFE. (United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March 6. Anxiety in Wellington regarding the overdue 'steamer Himitangi was ended this afternoon, when the Marine Department received a message from Cape Palliscr stating that the steamer Gertie had reported that the Himitangi was stranded at the Chathams, and the crew were standing by her. The Gertie, one of the three vessels sent in searoh of the Himitangi. arrived a few hours later, and confirmed the message. She also landed four of the Himitangi's passengers. The Gertie reached Waitangi last Saturday, and from the roadstead could see the Himitangi stranded on the east side of Petre Bay.

Captain Rodger, who went with the Gertie as mate, said he had ascertained that the Himitangi went ashore on the morning of Sunday, February 11th! She had arrived at Waitangi at 2 o'clock that morning, and anchored in the roadstead. Three hours later* she was found to be on the beach, having dragged her j.nchor. She was standing upright, and broadside on to a level sandy beach. Efforts to get her off failed; but with the aid'of gear and suitable weather,' it is considered probable that she will be got off. The residents of the Island are treating the captain and = crew well. Meanwhile the vessel is in no danger, being in a soft, easy bed, with three anchors out.

Early in the afternoon of the day the vessel stranded the ship's cook, J. Merritt, died suddenly from natural causes. He wa's birfied in the cemetery close to the scene of the stranding, with the body of Captain Hood, a very old resident of the Island, who had-died -a day or two before. ,

Between the time of the • stranding of the. Himitangi. and the departure of the Gertie there were six deaths on' the Island.