ACCIDENT AT SEA

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6688, 10 December 1908, Page 9

ACCIDENT AT SEA

CAPTAIN INJURED AND WASHED OVERBOARD. , GALLANT RESCUE. [ PRESS ASSOCIATION. I AUCKLAND, December 9. ; A rather sensational accident is reported in connection with the trip of the Matangi from Auckland to Dunedin. The Matangi is a small steamer which has just been built by Logan [ Bros., of Auckland, to the order of Mr ; A. Weir, of Dunedin, and is intended ; to take up the running between Dun- - edin and Portobello. The Matangi left Auckland on . Thursday last for Dunedin, with Caps tain Paterson in command. Heavy weather was encountered along the ■ East Coast, and on Friday the steamer . ran into a rather big sea. Captain Patersen was at the wheel, and the little steamer was making splendid headway despite the heavy roll, when an extra big sea broke over the vessel, and the captain was washed heavily against the railing, the impact fracturing his collar-hone. Before anyone could go to his assistance he disappeared over the side of the vessel. A boat was immediately launched, and after very considerable trouble a rescue was effected, the unfortunate mariner being almost exhausted when taken into the boat. The Matangi’s course was then altered. and the vessel pnt_ into Mercurv Bay. where the captain received I medical attention. It was expected that the Matangi would he able to resume her trip to Dunedin to-day.