STEAMER COLLISION

Southland Times, Issue 17965, 5 March 1917, Page 5

STEAMER COLLISION

(Per United Press Association.) GISBORNE, March 3. The attempt to utilise the Fire Board’* old pump to get rid of the water in the Arahura resulted in failure and was abandoned. It was then decided to use the dredge Maui for pumping, but the weather became threatening, and it is now questionable if the Maui can be got alongside. The Terawhiti is expected to arrive at midnight. The Monowai, due to-morrow, will bring additional salvag* When the damaged liner left for Auckland yesterday afternoon the sea was smooth, but a south-easterly wind sprang up two hours later. The liner passed East Cape at 3.50 this morning. LATEST ABOUT THE ARAHURA. PROSPECTS HOPEFUL. GISBORNE, March S. The Arahura lies in a good position oifi a hard sandy bottom. A heavy southerly or south-easterly is the only weather to be feared. The vessel is partly protected by the breakwater. The weather has moderated. Water is All through the ship to a depth of about 16ft,, and the vessel remains in a steady position. The. crew still remain aboard. Operations have been practically suspended pending the arrival of the Terawhiti. . , . The proposal to utilise the dredger Maui has been abandoned. The prospects are considered very hopeful. SALVAGE OPERATIONS. GISBORNE, March 4. Salvage operations on the Anahur* have so far proved unsuccessful, and the vessel has settled down into the sand until the deck is level with the water. The tug Terawhiti arrived at 12.40 this morning, and went alongside the Arahura an hour later. The night was spent in making preparations, and pumping was started after dawn. The Arahura’s bow appears to have lifted slightly, but from the results of the pumping so far seem to indicate that there is a large i-ole in the vessel's bottom which has not yet been located. Better progress is expected to be made at low water. The weather, fortunately, remains beautifully calm and fine.

THE LINER AT AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, March 4. The liner that collided with the Arahura anchored here at 4 a.m. to-day and will probably go alongside the dock wharf to-morrow.