A VESSEL'S PERIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14110, 12 July 1909, Page 5

A VESSEL'S PERIL.

SCHOONER KAEO IN DANGER.

SAVED BY BEACHING.

[BY TELEGRAPH,—OWN' CORRESPONDENT.]

Tokomaru Bay, Saturday. The auxiliary schooner Kaeo (Captain Skinner) weathered a terrible storm last night, three-quarters of a mile off the I Waima Wharf- After holding ail night the vessel being in a dangerous position, the captain let go on the top of high tide, and ran the vessel ashore alongside the wharf with a degree of seamanship that, • was simply marvellous. The schooner is at present lying stern on to the north 6ide of the wharf, within 15ft of the wharf. All on board were provided with lifebelts, and were evidently prepared for the worst. There is no doubt that it was ail impossibility for the vessel to have got out, and it would have been equally dangerous for her to have remained where she was. Had she been driven ashore a sad calamity would have had to be recorded. . The schooner had 90 fathoms of cable out last night. She did not drag her anchor, but with so much cable out, was close to the rocks. All on board had a very trying night. They were called out on deck at two o'clock this morning, and supplied with lifebelts. Captain Skinner's handling of the vessel displayed fine judgment and seamanship. In running in, the schooner got close to the end of the wharf, grounded, . and just cleared the end. Tho crew made fast' the stern to the end of the wharf, and the bow was slewed shorewards. In the opinion of those able to judge, there is no danger of either the vessel breaking up or of being seriously damaged.' She has, so far, apparently not suffered any damage. There were two passengers on board.

In regard to the salvage of the cargo, there should be no difficulty. The vessel was only lightly loaded, and she will be. high and dry at. low tide.

The Kaeo. left Tolago Bay on Tuesday morning, taking 10 tone of general cargo, including 40 sacks of maize and seven packages of machinery.

The Kaeo was built at Whangaroa in 1905. Her gross tonnage is 184 and net 155. She is owned by Captain Skinner, master of the vessel.