TOTAL WRECK OF THE STEAMER MATAI.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 5024, 4 June 1889, Page 3

TOTAL WRECK OF THE STEAMER MATAI.

TWO MEN DROWNED. (By Telegraph.) AUCKLAND, June 3. The Union Company's steamer Maitai struck on a rock at the Mercury Group on Sunday morning last, about 7 o’clock, and foundered in ten minutes. There were seven passengers on board and they and the crew were saved in the boats, with exception of B. H. Larsen, the • purser, who, losing his presence of mind, refused to leave the ship and was drowned, The fore-cabin steward, a man known as George, fell out of one of the boats and was also lost. The passengers and remainder of the crew pulled into Mercury Harbour, and landed at tho Island. They were subsequently taken on board the Hinemoa and brought to Auckland to-night. Everything on board the steamer was lost. The weather was thick.when the Maitai struck, and a violent easterly gale was blowing. WELLINGTON, June 3. Captain Fairchild reports to the Marine Department frem Auckland “ The steamer Maitai ran on Richardson Hock on Sunday morning at 1 o’clock, and sank in deep water ten minutes after. The purser and second cook were drowned. All the others got on shore on Mercury Island, The crew lost everything.”