STRANDED SCHOONER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20331, 12 August 1929, Page 8

STRANDED SCHOONER.

PAROTO'S HULL DAMAGED.

CAUGHT BY SUDDEN STORM. EXPERIENCE OF OTHER VESSELS. The position of the Northern Company s auxiliary schooner Paroto, which stranded on While Island on Wednesday night, was reported to bo safe on Saturday, according to wireless advice received from the island by Captain R. C. Hammond, the manager of the company. The message also stated the weather had moderated, hut the vessel will be in considerable danger if stormy weather from the southeast returns.

The bottom of the schooner's hull is reported to be damaged and the vessel is leaking. Temporary repairs are being made, and if the weather conditions are favourable it is hoped to refloat the schooner to-day or to-morrow. The salvage party is in charge of Captain M. Pierotti, the company's marine superintendent, who left for White Island by the Apanui on Thursday night. The party landed on the island at daybreak on Saturday and the wireless advice was despatched after the Paroto's condition had been inspected. On board the Apanui is heavy salvage gear to be used for refloating the schooner and the steamer is to remain at the island to assist with the salvage operations. The weather during the week-end was very boisterous and wet from the south-west and the conditions would no doubt hamper the salvage party's work.

The storm which drove the Paroto ashore on Wednesday night occurred with remarkable suddenness, according to the experience of other vessels. The stranding took place about 11.30 p.m., and shortly before that time the storm struck the company's auxiliary vessel Ronaki, which was in the Bay of Plenty, and was proceeding from Auckland to Tauranga. She was steaming with a westerly wind and all sail set, when, without warning the wind shifted to the south-east and blew with violence from that direction. The sails were immediately taken in without damage being done, but for the next hour the Ronaki could hardly make headway against the tempestuous conditions. The severity of the storm then decreased.

The Government steamer Tutanekai, which arrived at Auckland from East Coast lighthouses on Saturday morning, was sheltering on the soutli side of Hicks Bay on Wednesdy night. At 11 o'clock the wind suddenly changed from west to south-east and blew with such violence that she had to shift to a more sheltered anchorage on the opposite side of the bay.