SCOW FOUNDERS IN HEAVY SEAS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 March 1936, Page 11

SCOW FOUNDERS IN HEAVY SEAS

CREW’S ALL-NIGHT ORDEAL STORY OF GRIM STRUGGLE PERILOUS JOURNEY IN SMALL DINGHY (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, 25th March. The story of a grim struggle to save the 45-ton scow Kaiaia from foundering in the heavy seas off the East Coast in the vicinity of Castle Rock during the early hours of yesterday morning was related by the master, Captain 11. S. Aspden, to the “Herald” by long-distance telephone. After gruelling spells at- the two hand-pumps the crew of five were finally forced to abandon the ship and the Kaiaia sank almost immediately in about 30 fathoms of water. The Kaiaia with general cargo left Auckland about noon on Tuesday for Opotiki. Fair weather was experienced until passing Cape Colville, when the wind veered from the south-west and commenced to freshen from the east. By midnight, when the scow was to thn south of Castle Rock, there Avas a heavy sea and the wind had reached gale force. As there appeared no hope of the conditions moderating, it was decided to put back to Mercury Bay for shelter. Heavy rain squalls had reduced visibility to a minimum, and the Kaiaia was hove-to to await daylight. LEAK DISCOVERED Under shortened sail, with the engines running slowly aheud, the vessel was pitching into big seas, when suddenly it was discovered she had sprung a leak. “The origin of the leak,” said Captain Aspden, “was a mystery. When first noticed the water was gaining last. We immediately connected a pump with the engine, but it made little impression on the flow. The two-hand pumps were then manned but the task appeared hopeless. We took spell about and never let up for a- moment. The scow had settled by the bow and seas were continually crashing on board, run. ning tlie full length of her decks. “It was while working forward that Lwo Maori members of tlie crew were washed overboard and lest to sight in the darkness.. An ntttmpt was then made to lower the dinghy, which was slung in the davits at the stern, but access to the engine room had been cut off and the propeller was now half out of the water and wildly threshing the surface threatened to stave in the small craft. , ~ , “Reassured by calls from the two Maoris, who were both excellent swimmers, the crew had to stand by the dinghy until the Kaiaia was virtually sinking beneath their feet. As the stein settled and the propeller became submerged the dinghy was lowered without mishap. , The two Maoris were picked up, and within a few moments the five men were alone in the 12-foot dinghy with about five miles of rough water between them and the mainland. The scow had disappeared completely and a few spars and some light gear rising on the heavy seas was all that remained. Dawn was just breaking.

FEAT OF SEAMANSHIP

Probablv thinking of the earlier part of the morning, Captain Aspden made light of the trip to shore, but residents in the district consider it to have been a great feat of seamanship. How the little craft was rower) through heavy sens and then run in on the surf to Hot Water Beach without mishap would make a tale in itself. Captain Aspden, however, merelv described it as ‘ not so bad.” aijd would bo prompted into no further comment. T -> n Tlie crew, comprising Messrs D. If. Stubbing, engineer, of Grey Lynn, J. Donagluie. of Ponsonby. and the two Maoris. Peter Warren, of Opotiki. and j. Mokomoko, were given dry clothing at a neighbouring farm and later proceeded to Whitianga. Mercurv Bav. The Kaiaia was built at Omaha m 1909 and has for some years been owned by tlie Aspden Shipping Comnany, trading principally between Auckland and Bay of Islands ports. _ She was ketch-rigged and was fitted with a 28 h.p. Diesel engine.