THE WESTRALIA'S MISHAP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15407, 16 September 1913, Page 8

THE WESTRALIA'S MISHAP.

VESSEL'S LUCKY ESCAPE.

DEFECT IN STEERING GEAR.

An account of the mishap to the HuddartParker steamer Westralia, which arrived at Dunedin early last Thursday morning from Melbourne direct to enter upon her ooatstal running between Dunedin and Auckland, states that the vessel had a lucky escape from serious damage. A strong south-west gale was blowing as the Westralia came up the lower harbour, and when rounding the channel at Pulling Point her helm jammed when "hard over." It could not be moved, and the steamer ran into and demolished the large beacon, which marks the rocks that project from the shore towards the channel.

The Westralia hit the beacon with her port bow, and as her head swung to leeward under the force of the wind, she headed straight for th© rocks. She apparently grounded on an easy gradient, her keel resting on the reef for about 40ft. It was low tide when she grounded, and she remained there until about 10 a.m., when she floated off again. Although there was no sign of a leak, it was deemed -advisable to dock the vessel at once for sighting, and aba was accordingly put into the small dock at noon. A. close examination failed to disclose anything more than a very small dent on her starboard bow, and only one rivet was found 'to be loose. The loose rivet was knocked out and replaced by a bolt, and as there was no further sign of damage the Westralia was brought out of dock about midnight. A close examination was made of the Westralia's steering gear, and it was found that a nut had worked loose and fallen between some cogs, the latter being very effectively put out of action for the time being. It was apparent to those who know the locality that the steamer had a lucky escape, and it was evident that her strong deep keel had glided along the reef, and thus prevented her plates from being damaged. The Westralia is due at Auckland on Friday morning.