SINKING SHIP ADRIFT

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12199, 25 July 1925, Page 4

SINKING SHIP ADRIFT

CREW PRICED UP IN LIFEBOAT BATTLE WITH THE GALE. By Tolecrraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. i (Received July 24, 7 p.m.) ; MELBOURNE, July 24. The. ■'Holyman Company’s small steame/r Awaroa is drifting derelict in Bass jj.traits, in the direct track ol’ bound round Wilson’s Promontory'.; i . The ste&mer Huntingdon reported by wireless that she picked up the ! crew of the Awaroa, numbering 13, in the vicinity of Cape Liptrap. The reasons for the abandonment of the vessel are not stated. i The Awaroa was en route from Hofcart with general cargo to Melbourne, /it is supposed that she was disabled 'in rough weather. - Later. The Awaroa sprung a leak-during a heavy gale, ana began to fill. The crew worked all night knee-deep in water, and jettisoned a portion of the timber cargo, but eventually it was decided to abandon the ship. An attempt wat made to launch a lifeboat, •but it was smashed by the waves. The crew managed to launch a second lifeboat, and after being battered about for a considerable time in the rough sea, ‘Wire rescued' in an exhausted condition by the Huntingdon, which saw the distress signals.