STRANDING OF SCOW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20105, 16 November 1928, Page 12

STRANDING OF SCOW.

MISHAP TO THE ALMA.

ALL NIGHT ON SANDBANK.

An unpleasant experience befel Captain J. McKinnou, and four members of the crew of the scow Alma on Tuesday, when the vessel grounded on the Mair Bank at tho entrance to the Whangarei Harbour. Fortunately, there was not a very heavy sea running, and although tho scow remained fast all night she was not damaged on being refloated next morning when assistance arrived from Auckland.

Tho Alma is owned by J. J. Craig, Limited, and is employed in carrying shingle from Whangarei to Auckland. Shu had no cargo on board when the accident occurred, being bound from Auckland to load in the North. In entering the harbour tho scow grounded Iv on tho sand-bank, and although the auxiliary engines were brought into uso to assist the sails, all attempts to refloat her were useless. Communication was established with tho shore by light signals, and the mishap was reported to the owners, who immediately despatched the small steamer Mahuraugi with Captain J. Rasper to the scene. On arriving at the heads on Wednesday morning, Captain Rasper found tho scow was still fast to the bank. By this time there was a fairly heavy sea running, and as the salvage party was unable to get near the scow from the seaward side, several men were landed from the steamer and finally managed to get on board the stranded vessel. The launch Lady Eva had also arrived to give assistance, but it proved impossible to pass a ropo on hoard the scow. However, as the tide rose tho scow began to lift and her bow swung seaward. In addition tho wind had fortunately shifted to the south-west, and this assisted the men on the Mahurangi considerably. All sail was set on the Alma, and the ermines were also brought into use Gradually the scow drove her way through tho surf on the sand-bank and she was then towed to deep water. In order to ascertain whether the scow had suffered any damage sho was towed across the harbour entrance to Urquhart s Bay, where she was examined 1 here were no signs of leakage in the hull, and the Mahurangi then took her 111 tow again and brought her to Auckland, arriving mi • lie stream at 10 p.m.