HARBOUR COLLISION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22051, 6 September 1933, Page 8

HARBOUR COLLISION

RANGATIRA STRIKES CRANE PILOT LAUNCH SMASHED (Pkb United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, September 5. Damage totalling £IOOO was do?e this morning when the ferry steamer Rangatira, from Wellington, crashed into the floating crane Kapaki, at Lyttelton. The Rangatira pushed the Rapaki astern into the breastwork, crushing the pilot launch Ruahine against the piles, and smashing four piles. The Rangatira had two of her stern plates damaged, but will sail for Wellington to-night for repairs. The resounding crash was heard all over the port as the huge floating crane crushed the launch against the breastwork and finally pushed it over the four broken piles, to rest under the staging. The Rapaki's stem plates were damaged and much of the protective belting torn. The damage to the craneship is estimated at £2€o, and repairs to the launch Ruahine are expected to cost at least £SOO. The accident is ascribed to the failure of the Rangatira's engines to go ahead as she backed into her berth. A diver is now making an underwater examination of the stern of the Rangatira, but it ia stated that she is not making water. The Rangatira sailed for - Wellington to-night at 11.15. A diver found the cable of the Rapaki firmly wedged between the rudder and the stern of the ship and the difficulty of releasing it was increased at high tide by the weight of anchor suspended from a cable. It was not until the anchor rested on the sea bed at low tide that progress could be made. The cable was eventually cleared. The steering gear was tested and the ship was ready to sail.