FERRY AGROUND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21961, 19 November 1934, Page 8

FERRY AGROUND

MISHAP IN DARKNESS STANLEY BAY ACCIDENT TRANSFER OF PASSENGERS VESSEL LATER REFLOATED While keeping close inshore to avoid the force of a strong northerly wind and to assist the approach to Stanley Bay Wharf, the ferry steamer Makora grounded off Stanley Point shortly before 10 o'clock last night on her trip from the city. An emergency service was brought into operation by the .Devonport Steam Ferry Company within a-quarter of an hour and the passengers, some 40 in number", were all landed at Devonport by 11.30, the minimum of inconvenience being caused. The vessel was refloated early this morning. The Makora left the city at 9.40 p.m. and the severity of the northerly wind, accompanied by squalls, was felt while crossing the harbour. The benefit of the shelter of the land was obtained by the vessel on approaching Stanley Bay, but in order to reach the wharf without difficulty, it was necessary for her to proceed closer in toward tliQ, shore than usual. The tide was comparatively low and the vessel grounded on the muddy bottom, about 150 yards off Stanley Point and twice that distance from the wharf. Prompt Relief Service When the predicament of the vessel was reported, the company arranged for its launch, Twigg, which was stationed on the city side of the harbour, to go to the assistance of the Makora. The Twigg was alongside the ferity within a short time, and little difficulty was experienced in taking off the passengers.

The sea was comparatively calm, the main inconvenience to passengers being frequent heavy showers. In order to give the maximum shelter to those on the launch, it was decided to make two journeys between the Makora and Devonport, although it would have been possible to have carried all the passengers on one trip. Refloating of Vessel

For the comfort of the passengers several buses were provided at Devonport to carry them to their homes in various parts of the North Shore. So efficacious was the work of transferring the people from the ferry to the launch that one young man was even able to take his bicycle with him.

As no damage of any kind was anticipated through the grounding of the Makora, it was decided not to attempt to tow her off, but to await the rising tide, so that she could move off under her own power. The vessel was successfully floated off the mud just after 12.30 this morning and she proceeded immediately to Devonport, where she tied up for the night.