STEAMER IN BANGER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20251, 10 May 1929, Page 10

STEAMER IN BANGER.

STOPPAGE OF ENGINES.

TIMELY HELP ARRIVES

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] JNVERCARGILL, Thursday.

Tho officers and crew of the steamer Taratahi spent an anxious afternoon today when, on account of engine trouble, tho vessel was in danger of being driven on to the rocks in tho vicinity of Waipapa, about 17 miles from Bluff. Ihe Taratahi, of 124 tons gross, is engaged in the oyster trade and left Bluff at 6.50 o'clock tliis morning for the beds between Green Island and Dog Island. All went well until the weather conditions forced tho crew to give up oystering for the day. Tho vessel had just got under way for Bluff at 11.15 o'clock when the engines stopped on account of boiler trouble. Another boat of the oyster fleet rendered what assistance she could and proceeded to Bluff for further assistance. The Theresa Ward, in charge of the harbourmaster, Captain Lindsay, immediately put to sea and located the Taratahi within two hours of the report reaching Bluff. The captain of the Taratahi had kept a kedge anchor out to hold the ship's head to the wind and sea, but tho vessel dragged the anchor for some miles. A lino was made fast and at 3.25 o'clock tho vessels left for Bluff, which was reached without incident. It is stated that only the precaution taken by Captain Johnson, of the Taratahi, in putting out' the hedge anchor saved the vessel from destruction.