ACCIDENT TO THE TAUPO. THE VESSEL FLOATED OFF.

Otago Witness, Issue 1797, 30 April 1886, Page 19

ACCIDENT TO THE TAUPO. THE VESSEL FLOATED OFF.

Gisborne, April 2s. The Taupo went ashore at Tuahine point, three miles from here, at two o'clock this morn, ing. Noon. The Taupo, Captain M'Coll, from Napier to Gisborne, with seven passengers — Messrs Whinray, Chutter, and Scally, Constables Leonard and White — and about 500 tons of cargo, went a&hore at 1.30 a.m. on the rocks two miles and a-half to the eastward of Gisborne. The weather at the time was fine, although it was rather a dark night. The sea was smooth. As soon as the vessel btruck, rockets were sent up, which were at once observed, and preparations made for going to her assistance. Meanwhile the s.s. Rosina, on her passage to Tologa Bay, had also seen the rockets, and returned to the Taupo's assistance. The Rosina, with one of the Taupo's passengers and one of her crew, steamed to Gisborne and took off the collector of customs and harbourmaster, who had been making preparations to proceed to the wreck. The Taupo was found lying on a reef the same as that touched by the Te Anau some time ago, the sea being perfectly smooth. There was no excitement or danger to life. Preparations were at once made and the anchor carried out. Lighters were sent off and the cargo belonging to her discharged. The amount of damage cannot yet be ascertained. It is thought that the ship's bottom must be much damaged and the propeller stripped. Should the weather remain fine, it is probable she may be got off at high water. Later. After discharging about 100 tons of cargo, an attempt was made at 11 a.m. to get the Taupo off, and it proved successful. She is now (1.15 p.m.) steaming up to the anchorage. Wellington, April 23. The Taupo, which went ashore near Gisborne, is valued at £22,000, and is insured for about three-fourths her value. The Union Steam Ship Company are in receipt of a telegram from Gisborne advising them that the Taupa floated off at '11 a.m. and proceeded at once to Napier. The damage she has sustaimed is not serious.