WRECKED ON A REEF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18356, 23 March 1923, Page 11

WRECKED ON A REEF.

LOSS OF THE MINDINI.

NO PANIC ON BOARD.

PASSENGERS' EXPERIENCES

The steamer Mindini, bound from tho | Solomons to Sydney, went ashore on Mellish Beef, off the coast of Queensland,on March 8. A few days later, with the | decks strewn with luggage, and all available accommodation overtaxed, the Mo- : rinda arrived at Cairns with the crew and passengers, and also the crew of the American schooner Defiance. '* In the course of an interview, it was learned that the steamer went on the j reef at five minutes to four on the Thurs- ! day morning, on the high tide in medium weather. It was rumoured that the vessel was six miles out of her course, and when the chronometer was tested by the steamer Nauru Chief, the testing officer found that there was 20 seconds difference. The vessel went straight on to the reef, and Townsville was advised by wireless three minutes later. There was no disorder, and as boat drill had been held at Tulagi, tho lifeboats were swung out with precision. Provisions and blankets were put aboard the boat, and the passengers were transferred, the ladies going first. The Mindini's launch, in charge of the chief officer, took the boats in tow, and started for Herald Beacon Islet, inside the reef. There is only one passage through this islet, and after pulling five 'miles on the north side, the tide rip and heavy swell, accompanied by a swift current through the channel, proved too severe, and the boats were forced to return and proceed to the south, landing on the islet. This part is about 12ft. above water level, It is absolutely barren, with no water. The captain and 25 of the crew remained on the vessel. That night the vessel sank lower and lower, with a heavy list. At 10 o'clock the same night the dynamos were under water, and the lights ceased. The wireless apparatus was worked on an auxiliary, and communication' was maintained with the Nauru Chief, which was sighted at 4 o'clock next morning. - Remarkable Escape. This vessel also had a remarkable escape, as she nearly hit the reef, owing to the tide rip and the obscured moon, and to the fact that those aboard expected to find an illuminated vessel. A passenger on the Mindini, in an interview, stated that he was on deck at 3.30. The moon and stars were shining brightly, and the sea -was like a millpond. He went below shortly afterwards, and felt a bump. The engine telegraph rang, and the engines were reversed. Then there was' another bump, and all the passengers came on deck. There appeared to be no immediate danger, as the weather was calm. The lifeboats were lowered, the port boats being lowered to the starboard side. The worst experience was negotiating the passage through the reef, which occupied three hours. The women and children suffered severely through the sun and heat. On reaching the islet it was found to be absolutely barren, and covered with sea birds and eggs. The stench from vermin made matters very unpleasant. Shelters were made with blankets. , On being rescued by the Nauru Chief, the castaways, who included 95 persons from the Mindini and 10 from the Defiance. received excellent, hospitality. Salving Not Possible. It is stated that there is no possibility of salving the Mindini, which is now lying broadside on the reef, at an angle of 47 degrees. The rail is at the water-edge, and the engine-room is flooded to the top of the cylinder.}. Captain R. N. Clark, of the Defiance, said that after his boat had been destroyed by fire, the Mindini took all his crew aboard at Faisi. "I was up at two. and again at 3.45 p.m.," he said. "I saw no sign of the reef, the latter occasion being just before the boat struck. The tide was high at the time, this being particularly noticeable when the vessel started to go down. After the vessel struck, it hit the reef twice full on, and then steadied down. "The passengers all felt the shock, but took matters very quietly. There was no panic—just inquiries as to what had happened. "After trying in vain to get off, Captain Voy, of the Mindini, ordered the passengers off in boats. The stewards procured all the passengers' luggage, and got all their personal belongings safely away. There was practically no loss sustained by the passengers." Captain Voy and tho officers of the Mindini refused to make statements. Captain Voy stated that his report would bo made in the south.