BARQUE RONA ASHORE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3512, 5 July 1921, Page 24

BARQUE RONA ASHORE.

DEFECTIVE STEERING GEAR SUSPECTED. WELLINGTON, June 27. The well-known barque Rona went on the rocks of the Steeples, a jagged reef inside Pencarrow Pleads, just under Fort Dorset, about 11 o’clock last night. The Rona, which was under the command of Captain Airey, was apparently in trouble before, entering the Heads, and" was seen to become almost unmanageable. She was yawing about on tihg heavy sea that was making, caused by a heavy southerly that came up suddenly. The barque appeared to be sailing a zigzag- course when outside the Heads. She came through the entrance safely, but, after apparently drifting in the channel, struck the Steeples bow on. Soon after the vessel struck tugs proceeded over from the port, one of them holding her firmly by a line, preventing grounding-. Early this morning the tugs reported that they were still holding the vessel safely. When the vessel struck there w-as some trouble about signalling-. Every effort was made to get into communication with those on board; but apparently the latter were armed with only a small electric torch, and could not make their signals clear to the earnest watchers. An officer on the Komata stated that when abreast of Pencarrow Lighthouse those on board noticed a dim light from the Rona, which was then believed to be some sort of distress signal. The Komata went very close, but failed to get- a satisfactory answer from those on board. It is thought possible that the steering gear got temporarily out. of order, for in passing the Komata nearly collided with the barque. Her efforts proving futile, the Komata continued her voyage to Wellington. The principal lighfkeepor at, Pencarrow got into communication with the signal station and the harbour authorities as soon as he save the Rona had sensed trouble. He also communicated with tlhe officer in charge of Fort Dorset. The men turned out 'immediately, and the searchlight swept the vicinity round about the fort. Shortly after 12 ihe light located the barque. Then the tug Pelican arrived and made a cable fast to the vessel’s stern, thus holding her from drifting round. The barque was about 300 yards from the shore and had her anchor out. It was ascertained that) she was held fast by a jagged rock at the

stern, and had begun to list towards the shore. The Rona had 1100 tons of coal aboard, and was proceeding from Newcastle to Wellington. A_ stiff southerly is blowing, and there is little water under the stranded Rona; at the best condition of the tide, about 12ft. Where she lies there is a nest gi toothlike rocks all round. She is heading up harbour, her stem pointing to the open sea. ’ihe seas are not breaking over her. At daylight the tug Pelican went out, and at some risk succeeded in taking off the ship’s company without mishap. The crew were brought to town, arid landed about 8 o'clock. The vessel is reported to be making water freely this morning. She is. however, on a fairly even keel, and as there is open water astern the chances of towingher off' when the seas go down are fairly good. It is considered highly probable that the vessel will lie refloated if the weather moderates. The weather, however, is still unfavourable. June 28. The gale and sea having subsided the prospects of salving the barque Rona, which went, on the rocks off Beatoun, arc considered good. There are 14 inches of water in the hold. The coal cargo is being removed into lighters.