RAGING NORTHERLY

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11438, 7 February 1923, Page 5

RAGING NORTHERLY

VESSELS RETURN TO PORT COAL HULK SINKS WHILE UNDER TOW. SALVAGE OPERATIONS. Although no serious damage has heen reported as the result of the heavy northerly gale which was experienced in AVellington early yesterday morning, shipping was somewhat delayed, and a number of boats were forced ‘to return to port, owing to the heavy sea and strong wind, while the Countess of Errol foundered at the Queen’s wharf. Shortly after midday the wind changed to the northerly, and increased in violence, until about midnight it was blowing a gale, while slight lulls were accompanied by rain. It gradually increased until yesterday morning, when it became very violent, and many windows suffered as a result. Hie Wairau, which left port shortly after midnight, managed to get out to sea, but wa6 forced to return to port, and the crew were relieved when the I' vessel tied up. The Opawa had also to return to port, owing to the heavy seas. The Maori, which arrived yesterday morning from Lyttelton, was over an hour lats, making little headway against the strong wind, and, although she shipped no water, most of the .passengers were prostrated. The Westport Coal Company’s hulk Countess of Errol, which had been engaged in loading coal from the collier Komata, completed her transhipping, and was made fast to the Komata at the Taranaki street wharf, having about 270 tons of coal jn her holds. The freshening gale caused water to be shipped in the hulk, and the keeper removed his family ashore. At about 4 a.m. the hulk was down by the head, and with the gale showing no signs of abating, it was decided to move her to a more sheltered spot. The Pelican was obtained, and took the hulk in tow, but she was then making water rapidly, and she was headed to the Queen’s wharf No. 4. Shortly after she reached the wharf the hulk went under, and swamped. There was about 28 feet of water at the wharf at the time, but those who were on the spot were unable to retrieve any of the keeper’s personal belongings, which were lost, and only a few baskets and ropes were saved.

The vessel attracted a good deal of attention throughout yesterday, and she presented an interesting sight, the decks being well under, with the after hatch awash, and the mast and derricks standing from the water. The wharf wa6 roped off, and operations for salvaging the cargo and the hulk are to be commenced immediately. The hulk Alameda nearly broke away From her moorings, the bow lines parting, and she was held by only two stern springs. She was moored near the ICaiwarra, and was only secured in time.

Vessels which arrived yesterday reported heavy weather in the straits, and all were late in berthing.