NARROW ESCAPE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 26 October 1928, Page 4

NARROW ESCAPE

ON MANUKAU BAR MISHAP TO ARAPAWA NELSON STEAMER TO THE RESCUE (By Telegraph—Press Association) AUCKLAND, This Day. There was nearly another tragedy on Manukau bar when the little coastal steamer Arapawa broke a bolt in the piston crank while among' the breakers at the entrance. .Splinters of steel flew in all directions, but most fortunately missed the men in the engine room*. The engines stopped and waves pounded over the vessel, the crew holding on as best they could. Two anchors were dropped, ibut the ebb tide forced the Arapawa back into the breakers and she was smothered in water. A desperate attempt was made to repair the piston, but failed through the water pouring below. Signals of distress were sent by the signalman, but before help could arrive the captain rigged up some sails out of tarpaulins and tried to use a favourable wind to sail out of danger. . The tide was too strong and the boat was carried back and anchors hurriedly dropped again.

After hours of tension the steamer Alexander came to the rescue, but even then a s£in. tow rope broke >at the first attempt. Another and more successful attempt was made and at 3 p.m. the vessel was out of danger; but it will take a week to repair the damage.