CZAR'S YACHT ON THE ROCKS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 11111, 28 October 1907, Page 2

CZAR'S YACHT ON THE ROCKS.

WARSHIPS' AID.

ACCIDENT ON HOLIDAY CRUISE. _ - HANGO, September 11. Ihe Russian Imperial yacht Standart ran on some submerged rocks at halfpast four this afternoon off Horsoe, to the west of this place. The Reval steam lifeboat has arrived on the scene, and the seven torpedo boats escorting the Imperial yacht are also standing by her. The Emperor and th« Imperial family remain on board. A number of vessels of the Russian fleet and a salvage steamer have gone out to the assistance of the Imperial yacht. The Czar sailed on August 11, the utmost secrecy being maintained as to his plans. He met the Kaiser on the high seas on August 3, and the Standart and the Hohenzollern proceeded together to Swinemuende Bay, where the Kaiser entertained him with magnificent pomp and display. Elaborate precautions were taken to protect the Czar from assassination during .the *nieeting. . A patrol of boats formed an impenetrable ring around the Standart day and night, and the Czar did not land at all. Three days afterwards the monarch? parted amid mutual expressions of esteem. The subsequent movements of the Standart have been veiled m secrecy. Recently the Royal yacht has been cruising m the, Finnish "Skjargaard" — that is, the small fjords along- the coast. The escort consisted of another Imperial yacht, the Alexandreiia, two smaller yachts, seven cruisers, and some torpedo boats. Altogether, there were twenty vessels., Neither, the Czar nor the Czarina landed anywhere, and the most stringent precautions continued to be taken to safeguard their Majesties from intrusion. Hango is a small town of 4800 inhabitants! situated on a promontory, which projects far into the sea on the south extremity of Finland. It is only 30 years old, but is 'famous for its fine views and excellent sea baths, which are much freaucnted. HELSINGFORS, Sept. 12. The Czar and his family last night deserted the wrecked Imperial yacht Standart, which ran on uncharted rocks off Horso yesterday afternoon. The Imperial family were transferred to the cruiser Asia. When the accident occurred great contusion prevailed. The members of the Imperial suite were terrified and the Imperial children cried. Only their Majesties remained calm. Tlie Standart was steaming at fourteen knots when she struck, and the shock was tremendous. Much Valuable china was broken and all moveables thrown to the deck. The Standart had a rent 42ft long torn m her side. The yacht has a heavy list to starboard, and is lying with her stern raised m a position which renders her safe m all winds. She will be salved^ but it will be a laborious task. It is understood that the chief pilot. M. Blomgvist. commanding the Standart, warned the Imperial family of the risk of entering the dangerous, though beautiful, Rilax Bay with a shin drawing 21ft of water and steering awkwardly.