NARROW ESCAPE OF THE VAGUNA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9307, 16 September 1893, Page 5

NARROW ESCAPE OF THE VAGUNA.

AGROUND IN THE MANUKAU.

THE CREW AT THE PUMPS. Considerable excitement was occasioned in Onehunga yesterday morning when ib became known thab the barquentine Vacuna, coal laden from Newcastle, and which arrived during the nighb, had grounded in entering the harbour. This was further heightened by the fact that relief crews of men had been despatched to assist the pumping operations of keeping the ship afloat, which, happily to say, proved successful. The Vacuna—formerly the Flying Scud—is an old Devon-built vessel, and is owned by Captain T. J. M. Corlet, who has his wife on board with him. The vessel had under hatches some 270 tons of Newcastle coal for the Onehunga Ironworks, and left the Australian port on Monday week last, experiencing the ordinary run of weather on bhe trip across. All went well until reaching the Manukau Heads at eleven a.m. on Thursday, when the trouble began. The weather was nob too favourable at tho time, and Captain Corlet states he stood off and on for some hours, signalling for a pilot, until at last he decided to venture in. The ship's head was then turned for Manukau Heads, a moderate N.VV. breeze blowing. Tho vessel, however, struck heavily on the Orwell Bank, slid off and then sailed on bo it again, bumping several times in quick succession, and atlast getting clear altogether. The well was at once sounded, showing some six feet six inches of water. The crew weie immediately sent to the pumps, but despite all exertions the water gained on the men. The pumps were kepb steadily going, and signals for assistance were run up. Between the headlands she was boarded by the pilot, who brought the vessel in safety to the Bluff, where ib was found the water was still gaining. At the Bluff the Vacuna was met by the steamer Tarn O'Shanter, having on board Captain Robertson (harbourmaster) and a gang of men from Onehunga. The addibional assistance soon began to have an appreciable effect on the inflow of water, and then little by little the water was fought back. The ship was bathed ab the Onehunga wharf ab an early hour yesterday morning, and the work of pumping and discharging cargo was continued throughout the day. As soon as practicable Captain Corlet commenced discharging from the after hatches, considering thab the leak was under the heel of the ship, and thab by lightening her the ship's stern, with the leak, would be raised oub of the water. As soon as the ship is discharged a thorough examination will be made. We understand the Vacuna is uninsured.