COLLISION IN PORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21503, 29 May 1933, Page 8

COLLISION IN PORT

damage to the opihi * STRUCK BY STEAMER MISHAP AT NEW PLYMOUTH [by telegraph —OWN CORRESPONDENT] NEW PLYMOUTH. Sunday An accident occurred at the port of New Plymouth this morning, the phosphate steamer Parracombo colliding with the coastal steamer Opihi while being berthed at the Newton King Wharf. The Parracombe, a vessel of 4698 tons register, arrived off the port shortly "after dark last nicht from , Auckland, and owing to the strong wind blowing berthing was postponed until this morning. At 10 o'clock the Parracombe was brought in under the direction of Captain F. Hay, assistantharbourmaster, the intention bein<r to berth the Parracombe inside the Opihi, which was berthed at the seaward end of the Newton King Wharf. The Opihi was tied up with her bows pointing toward the land and the Parracombe, swung across and hit the centre of the Opihi's stern penetrating for three feet and making a wide hole. The Opihi, which is a vessel of only 1117 tons was pushed forward by the blow and dragged back again when the Parracombe's engines were reversed. Fortunately, the stern of the Opihi, which was formerly a steel 4 schooner, projects and the Parracombo has clipper bows. This lessened the damage. The Opihi's rudder and steering Eear were not damaged. The Opihi is owned by the Union Steam Ship Company and was built in Germany in 1886. She was formerly named the Lilla. The Parracombe was built five years ago at West Hartlepool, Durham, England. She is owned by Pyman Brothers, Limited, and registered at London.