SHIPPING DISASTERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13832, 20 February 1907, Page 5

SHIPPING DISASTERS.

THE MARGUERITE MIRABAUD.

REGARDED AT A TOTAL WRECK.

The French barque Marguerite Mivubaiul, which lies ashore on tho beach at Akatore, is now regarded as a total wreck. Mr I\ 0. Bridgm&n, acting on behalf of tho French Consul and tho underwriters, a firm in Havre, France, yesterday had a survey made of tho vessel. This was carried out by Captains Thomson and Marks, and tlioir report is that tho vessel is a hopeless' ■wreck. The barque and her cargo will, therefore, ho offered for sale by auction as she lies 011 the beach. Captain Tatterin and tho two sailors who havo remained with him will probably arrive in Dunedin this morning. Mr Chamberlain. Collector of Customs, states that an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the wreck of the barque is not a matter for a Xew Zealand .court, but will 1)0 dealt with in France. Tho vessel, it is understood, is insured, but to what extent is not ascertainable.

THE IRAKI URA STILL ASHORE. Early yesterday morning tho Koputai mado an attempt to low the Rakiura. off tiio heach near the Nuggets, hut after somo tiino tiio hawser hroko under tiie 6train, and all attempts ti) float the vessel were thereupon abandoned for tho present. Another attempt willObe made, however, at next spring tide. Yesterday morning Mr W. Beadle went doivn to tho stranded vessel on behalf of the owners, and reported to Mr K. S. Ramsay that the Rakiura is lying in a safe position on a patch of hard sand overlying a bed of shingle. Sho is clear both fore and aft, and is resting fairly on her midship suction. Captain Uutfield and his crew arc standing by the vessel, ivliieh is in no immediate danger. About 8 a.m. tho lug left for Port, Chalmers, but tho weather was very thick along tho coast,, and she did not reach port until 6.30 p.m. A magisterial inquiry into the stranding of tho Rakiura will be held in Dunedin as soon as possible.

THE imru.. ' An inquiry into (he atranding of the Rimu at Paterson'a Inlot will bo hold at Invercargill shortly. A KETCH STRANDED. AUOKXAND, February 19. Tho ketch Root Lily, bound from Atick« land to Tnirua, is ashore oa the bar at the ontwnco to Mercury Bay. The vessel i« not badly daqiagcd, and is likely to bo refloated safely. A carpenter is now aV work repairing the damage.