TUB TRIUMPH SUCCESSFULLY FLOATED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 6907, 7 January 1884, Page 4 (Supplement)

TUB TRIUMPH SUCCESSFULLY FLOATED.

THE VESSEL SAFE IK BARBOUR. Sdtcz the wreck o: the steamer Trinmph was purchased by Metsn. Fraser and Tinne, of the Pha-aix Foundry of this city, preparations for trying to fic-at the vessel have J>een vigourously carried on. Some of the omcers •who came oat in the ship were engaged by the purchaser of the wre:k to aid in the voik. Day by cay tee preparations ad. vanced, and oa 01. they had so nearly reached coispUti&n, that on a being made to tee waether the pumps would be suficient to overcome the ingow of vrater, it iris found that the vess-=l got lairly anoat. The water was allovred to come in again, until further preparations then in progress m>a completed, and 03 January 3, e» ery^m— t: —i■ made reaay for the morning tide to ge* her o5 the rocks and brought on to Auckland. Daricg the afternoon on the previous day tne men were engaged in patting out into lighters, and generally in getting ready for - ::e morning's work. Xhe fore hatch was more strongly tomrned down, and all crevices cemented, whilst in the No. hatch the pumping gear was seen to, secure. In tne engine-room Mr- r liner i-ne chief engineer) and his men were a-J re to their work, and nothing tnat thought of in that department was By midnight he announced tnatjie was aJ prepared to do his part c: tne ba.<_e. Imring the night aU hanas were busily employed at different wor£, sucn S3 passing coal down below. snortiy midnight the Anne Milbank to get , ready to come alongside, and take out an extra anchor from the bows saaward. all ready. At time all was in readinets for the trial, and a glance around the vessel told that the details had been carefully considered. From the bows of the Triumph a coab.e hawser had been run out, and made fast to the ree: immediately under her bows oa' the port side, whilst from the starboard bow two anchors had been run out._ From the port auart-er a long length of line nad been runout with an anchor attached, wmlst the other quarter was made fast to tne rocks on the island itseli by two hawsers. Spare ropes were got on deck ready lor emergencies, whilst tne three boats belonging to the ship were got round to the lee side, and nade ready for any requirements. SXCITEMENT ON BOARD—PUMPING. On board the greatest excitement preailed, and, although none had been to bed iuring the night, they were all working with he greatest will. Captain Farquhar :rom the bridge assumed command, having Mr. Gouk and the first and second omcer3 of tne Triumph to see that his instructions were carried out. Mr. t raser took ensrge of tne pumping and engineering department, haying the tirst and second engineers of tne snip to assist him. A full head of siearn wa3 on, and soon after four o'clock the order was given to commence pumping. of water were soon sent out of her. The tide at this time was now coming in, and as the water wa3 ejected so th? vessel could be seen to get lively, and at five o'clock all felt that she would be got c_ successfully. Consequently all felt ECc. jubilant. SHE MOVES OFF THE REEF. By seven o'clock tne water in second compartment was almost all out, and pumping wag in consequence temporarily stopped. As the tide rose, so the vessel lilted herself off the rocks. At just before half-past seven a.m. her bows swung away from the ree: eome six or seven feet, but at the same time the vessel listed over to her covering ooard. Operations, however, were manfully kept up, and aa it was to be seen that success waa hut©, a message wa3 sent to Tiri for them to signal for steam tug 3, a code of signals having been previously pre-arranged with 'Auckland. At a quarter past eight a.m. tne signal, "Want powerful tug," run up OB the signal staff on the island, ana almost &t the same moment the Ehip commenced to forge ahead. The steam winches were got to work on the several anchors, to leep her in position to clear the efferent 'locks on either side of her wnilrt sue was -hauled ahead. Foot by foot aa the tide rose •did the Triumph draw ont of her perilous position, stnA the signal wa3 hoisted at ner foremast head, ' 1 Want boats to tow us on, ' in the hopea that they would be seen Irom Anokland, and the necessary help sent. Only once did the vessel bump, and tnat was just bsfore she finally cleared the reele. In the meantime the pump 3 were kept goiflge anri although the vessel would not light her position, it was soon s'-tn. that she •was perfectly safe, although lying over at a not very assuring angle. A GALE RISES. With the moving of tne tha I vrind commenced to freshen, and a Etrong ■westerly gale was beating down upon tne vessel with fierce squalls of rain, and she was lying over at a fearful angle, that did not put much courage into the hearts of those cn board, whilst the water was rapidly gaining in the stoke-hole, to such an extent that fjing could not be done in the port toiler. A PERILOUS TIME. At this time theTa was fully nine feet of water in the stoke-hcTe, and the men were bravely working at their posts up to their wai3t3 in water. Matters now bec-m----ing critical, and, to add to the danger, all tne snip's boats were away, and the p.s.Anne Milbank was also away. Mr. Fisnertook in tne position at a glance, s.nd he saw that unless something was done and done quickly, the ship was in great danger, as well as the live 3of all on board. He then went down up to his neck in water, and endeavoured to reach the port door in the bulkhead, so a3 to let the water in the No. "2 compartment, which wa3 nearly dry. To do thi3 he had to dive under water, and at great difficulty got the door open, and soon after the compartment was tree, and the safety of the ship once more assured. In the engine-room the men were working with three feet of water on the platform. A close inspection showed that the vessel (now fairly afloat) was holding her own, and not in any way allowing the water to gain upon her, except in the stoke-hole, where, Owing to the angle at which the vessel was lying, h-.jr pump 3 could not be got to work "upon her, so there wa3 nothing lor it but to trust to Providence that the water would not gain rapidly upon the vessel in this important part, whilst the diver was sent down to see if he could fix a pump. After an anxious half-hour he came up, having successfully managed to rig up the desired work. Pumping was resumed, and in a very short time the difference could be seen, as the vessel commenced to right herself, and by one o'clock she had regained an almost even keel. THE HAWSERS GIVE AWAY. Owing to the way in which the vessel was eitting on the water—her bows being down to her main deck, whilst her stern was towering high out of the water—the vessel's propeller was of very little use, but what help it gave was most acceptable. The vessel, when about half a mile off the reef, was being held by a gteel hawser forward and a strong line, whilst she was also held by an anchor aft. She was, however, broadside on to the sea and the gale, and consequently there was a fearful strain on the two lines She steel hawser unfortunately gave way, and soon after her stern line parted, so she was left with only one anchor and the rope to trust to. Well it held against the gale for some hour and a-half, tne ship's machinery doing its best to help to take the strain off by going ahead. The p.s. Anne_ Milbank was got ahead, and she dLid her best to keep the vessel's bow to the wind, but her efforts were futile. At this time the three boats were on the windward side, and two men were ordered into each, to take them round the stern to the lee side, but owing to the fierce gale, they were all but one, which managed to reach the Anne Milbank, drifted away to leeward some two miles before the Anne could pick them up. GETTING UNDER LEE OF TIRI. Captain Farquhar now decided to try and dodge hifl vessel to under the lee of the island. This was done successfully, and there all was made snug until the arrival of the tegs. HELP URGENTLY WANTED. Never were steamers more anxiously looked for than at this time, but despite all the anxiety none appeared, and it was feared that the signals had not been seen. In trying to get under the island the vessel, in spite of all Captain Farquhar could do, commenced to drift bodily to tea, and fears were entertained that she would go broadside on to the Shearer Rocks. The "Anne" was hailed to go up to town for tugs with the utmost speed. However, the vessel was ■jventvully worked oloae inaho** A line was

sent ashore and made fas t to the rocks, and the Triumph waa iox the rime being in safety and lying snug. At a boat talf-psst one tie «.!. Rose Casey ran by, and ehe offer fed to send on telegrams to Auckland from the Waiwera. The captain was hailed to send one for rags, and she passed on. Soon after the steamship Manapoari hove in sight, bat she did not communicate. A nasty sea was now running, and it was next to impossible to keep the Email boats afloat. HELP FROM AUCKLAND. By two o'clock the Triumph managed to get lines ashore to the rocks, and at three o'clock the s.s. Waitaki hove in sight, ana scon after Captain Crawford and Mr. Bsnnet: came on board, and from them it was learnt that there was the greatest apprehension felt in Auckland for our safety, as it was supposed we had drift-ed out to sea, and would not be able to lire against the heavy water. They were glad to find that we were all safe. As the weather still continued heavy, as in a short time steam could be got cp on the port boder, it was decided to wait an hour, until the 2ood time came in, and then to make a start for Auckland. At the time stated then, half-past three p.m., the Waitaki came alongr.de, and it was decided to endeaTour to go round Tiritiri and up through the western or Whangaparoa Passage, for the sake of the smootn water, but it was found that the tide was too much, so it was arranged to go up direct from where Ehe was, and the Waitaki made fast again bcw to stem, and so assisted to tow the Triumph stern first to Auckland. By half-past four p.m. the Triumph got full speed astern on, and good prosress was made, everyone being heartily thankful to see the vessel homeward bound, and Tiritiri being left behind. FLOOD TIDE AND PROGRESS. With the fioc-d tide fair progress was made, although the Triumph was very difficult to keep to the wind, owing to the vessel being so high out of the water aft, and the rudder consequently having little power on the water. When about three miles from Tiritiri the s.s. Rotomahana came alongside, and Ehe took up her position on the port side. Shortly after six o'clock the s.s. Glecelg was Eeen going away for Taaranga, so the signal "A tug wanted" was run up, and she quickly answered by coming alongside and giving a hind. Progress, onder the united efforts of the Waitaki, GleneJg. and Rotomahana, was now much more rapid, and the prospects better of reaching Auckland in good time. At half-past seven p.m. the s.s. Macgregcr, from Whangarei, came alongside, and her asristance was procured to nelp the other three steamers in the endeavour to tow the Triumph on her journey. The Macgregor's passengers were at once transferred to tne Anne "Miiback, and that vessel left for Auckland (taking Mr. Conk) for the purpose of towing a scow down from Auckland with the anchors ana chains belonging to the Triumph, and also to procure more coal for the Ro:omahan3. IX THE HARBOUR. The Triumph made good progress down the Rangitoto chancel, and got abreast of tne Nortn Head shortly after midnight. Slowly and sieidily the procession of steamers came up the harbour t:il opposite Mechanics' Bay, when the anchor was let down. The steamer Ma.cgregor then left, the others remaining to render any aid necessary. The Triumpn is therefore again at anchor in Auckland harbour. The vessel is now only making about one foot of water in the hour, ana a few minutes' pumping reduces the innow. Mr. Fraser intends to lose no time in getting his vessel into order again. EE FLECTIONS AND ANTICIPATIONS. The getting off of this large vessel with cc other assistance than the aid of pumps, muss be looked upon as a great and unqualified success, and is a convincing proof as to what perseverance and pluck wili do. Too mucn praise cannot be given to Mr. G. Fraser for the skill he displayed, and we feel sure our readers will be glad to hear of his success. A meed of most also be given to Captain Farquhar, Mr. D. Gouk, the engineers and embers o? the Triumph who were on board, and, last but not least, to the men who so abiy and willingly worked curing daytime and at night, in water or in dry places, ail showing an interest in the eusce3S of the work, tnat must have been msst ensouraging to ilr. Fraser. The port may also be congratulated upon possessing such skilful men as those whose names we have mentioned, and who hare proved themselves able to grapple with a job of Euch magnitude as tbe floating of ths steamship Triumph. The colony at large may also be proud of such men as those wno have fioated the Triumph and repaired the Union Company's Kotomaha-a. These are works that will go forth to the world and be assurances that, should serious misfortunes befall the large steamers trading to New Zealand, they stand fair chances of being put all right if entrusted to our hands. With the rapid increase in our trade with the outer world, the chance 3 of mishaps to vessels visiting our coast must also increase, and it is therefore the duty cf our hirbour authorities in all their work 3 to look well to the future. Our new dock was Epoken of a3 being of too large dimensions for the requirements of the port for years to come, and that the present one on the Auckland side of the harbour was ampie; but the Triumph episode is an answer to this, and an unanswerable argument that the new dock will not be too large for our requirement*. Another point that needs instant attention is the completing of the telegraph and cable from Tiritiri. Had that oeen finished it would have been of inestimable value in sending messages to Auckland as required from the Triumph. We trust to hear of this work being done at an early date. Nothing has yet been decided upon as to when the Triumph will be taken into dock, but every effort will be made to obtain its use as early as possible. To enable the vessel to go into I dock, she will have to be got on to a more \ e'.en keel, which will be at once done, and when in dock—as she will overhang the gate some distance—a coffer dam will have to be erected outside of the vessel, and then the water pumped out. Then temporary repairs will be done, and the vessel again floated out until such time a3 Mr. Frftser will be ready to make complete repairs, and put the Triumph in as good working order as when she first left the stocks. ARP.IVAL OF THE ANNE MILBANK. Shortly after eleven o'clock, a steamer's lights were observed rounding the North Head, and a crowd soon assembled round the office of the Rotomahana. The steamer was soon made out to be Anne Milbank. As soon as she came alongside the wharf, a rush was made to hear the latest particulars as to the position of the Triumph, and Mr. D. Gouk, who had come up for the purpose of getting the Triumph's anchors and chains, was besieged by eager questions. He said that when he left the Triumph ahe was about fivemilesthisaideofTiritiri, andmaking fair progress. The Anne Milbank took on board a quantity of coal for the Rotomahana, and, with a scow in tow, with the anchors and chains, left again for the Triumph. THE EXCITEMENT IN TOWN. In the narrative which we print above, our reporter, who has been on board the Triumph for the last two days, gives a graphic account of the exciting scenes attending the getting of the Triumph oif the reef, her subsequent dangers, and her successful extrication from them all. The excitement on board the Triumph could hardly be greater than that in town. During the whole day nothing else was talked of, and everyone was asking for the latest news. It was known from our columns that an attempt was to be made yesterday morning to take the steamer of! the reef, but as the morning was somewhat squally, and the wind freshened rapidly as the forenoon drew on, it was thought that there would be a further postponement. The first intelligence to reach busy Queen-street was from the residence of Dr. Purchas, which, being situated in Pitt-street, commands an extensive view out to sea. Dr. Purchas was watching with a glass, and after a rain squall, saw the vessel clear from the island. He immediately telephoned to the Herald Office, and, the news being posted on the board, in a few minute.'! spread over the whole town. Everyone was glad that the steamer had been got off, aud complimented those who had been engaged in the operation. Dr. Purchas during the afternoon saw all the changes in position referred to by our reporter. About one o'clock the signal was run up that the steamer ad anchored, and Ehortly afterwards that sh had paised oat of sight. Messages were transmitted from the higher parts of the city that the Triumph was drifting out to sea. As at this time the wind had arisen to a gale, and the white waves were tumbing even in

the harbour, the greatest apprehension was felt for ill those engaged in tha dangerous and dirScalt operation. Crowds ran down to the wharf, and eagerly scanned the signal stan, which se«med itself to be in a state of feverish excitement. The feeling did no; abate at nightfall, though after that time no more news could be obtained from the higher parts of the city, from the signal Etaiz, or irom those who had climbed the Flagstan Hill and come over to town. Tee enquiry into the wreak of the steamer Triumph was concluded before the Nautical Court on January 4, bat judgment has been reserved until to-day. Mr. E. Hesketh made a splendid defence for Captain Brotherton. He brought overwhelming evidence to prove that the captain was no; only not drunk, but that he was perfectly sober, and tha; his falling asleep on the bridee could only be attributed to overwork, facgue, and want of rest, resulting from almost continuous attacks of neuralgia. Mr. Brassey also made an excellent defence for hi 3 client, Mr. Owen, the chief cincer of the Triumph, and Mr. Williamson summed up the evidence at the close, stating that his desire was to bring all the evidence before the Court, and lesve them then to decide the case on its merits with all the facts before them. It was stated, possibly as a joke, that Mr. Hesketh was about to flood tne Court with witnesses to prove that it was impossible to float the ship off the rocks of Tiritiri, but the fact that *t this time the Triumph had been Soared off, and was then safely riding at aucaor in the harbour, rendered such evidence unnecessary, and worse than useless. It is but fair, however, to state that Mr. Heiketn denies having had any intention of producing such evidence.