THE SHIPPING DISASTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13162, 27 April 1906, Page 5

THE SHIPPING DISASTER.

DERELICT FOUND BY A TUGBOAT.' THOUGHT. TO BE THE SCHOONER RONGA. [by telegram.—press association.] Wellington-, Thursday. The tug Duco, which was sent to search for the derelict vessel seen in Cook straits, came up with her 20 miles north of Kapiti Island. Grappling irons were made fast to the derelict, but on each occasion the towline parted, and, as the. wind and sea were increasing, the Duco left her and returned to Wellington. Captain A brain describes the vessel as being copper fastened, with a white hull of yacht-like lines. No name was visible, but he believes the vessel is the Ronga, a schooner of 93 tons, commanded by Captain E. 0. Peterson, which left Lyttelton on Saturday, coal-laden for Havelock. [by telegraph.— ovrs correspondent.] Cheistchurcii, Thursday. Captain Abram, of the tugboat Duco, which made three unsuccessful attempts to take the derelict vessel in tow, states that the sea was too rough to launch a boat. He brought back two gaffs and a boom belonging to the schooner, also a quantity of mutilated sail. The Duco took in a, quantity of gear and provisions to-day, and made another start for where she left the schooner. Captain Abram took bearings of the position in which he parted from her, and does not anticipate any difficulty in geiiing into touch with the wreck.