WRECK RECALLED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22391, 11 April 1936, Page 12

WRECK RECALLED

LOSS OF THE TAIAROA SURVIVORS* STERN BATTLE A serious disaster in New Zealand maritime history occurred 50 years ago to-day, when the Union Steam Ship Company's steamer Taiaroa, of 438 tons gross, was wrecked near Waipapa Point, on the Marlborough coast,' with the loss of 33 lives. The vessel was proceeding from Wellington to Christchurch. On the way ths wind changed from north-west to strong south-east, accompanied by rain and fog, and the ship ran ashore at about 8 p.m. Three lifeboats and the captain's gig were launched, but all except the latter were swamped within a fairly short time. Although all the passengers were issued with lifebelts, only three from the three boats which were swamped reached shore alive, one being washed up on the beach 16 miles from the scene of the wreck. The captain's boat, containing the master, Captain G. Thompson, seven of the crew, and three passengers, was the last to leave the vessel. It was washed out to sea, and was rowed by the sailors northward past Cape Campbell, and succeeded in crossing the Wairau Bar safely after being at the mercy of the sea for 17 hours. The occupants had practically no food or drink during that period, and their plight was made more desperate through the boat having been stove in during the launching. The captan remained at the tiller throughout the peri lous journey. There were thus 14 survivors of the wreck. The ship was a total loss.