A TOTAL WRECK

Southland Times, Issue 21715, 30 May 1932, Page 7

A TOTAL WRECK

KAPONGA BREAKING UP EFFORTS AT SALVAGE PROVE FUTILE CREW SAFELY LANDED (Per United Press Association.) Greymouth, May 29. The stranded steamer Kaponga has become a total wreck on the Grey river bar, where her position had remained unaltered with her bow near the north breakwater until Saturday afternoon. As the tide was then rising the steamers Komata from inside the harbour, and Kaimai from outside, engaged with hawsers in an effort to bring the Kaponga’s bow upstream, the idea being that it might be possible to tow her into the port. They moved the vessel round until she faced upstream, but her hull remained fast amidships. The sea, however, rose with the tide and from 6 p.m. onwards southerly rollers moved the stranded vessel towards the northern breakwater. It then became evident that there was little chance of salvage. About forty tons of the coal cargo had been jettisoned during the afternoon. About 2.30 a.m. to-day the crew began leaving the vessel and all had abandoned her by 4.20 a.m. by using a breeches buoy connected with the north breakwater to come ashore. Vessel Settling Down. This morning’s tide saw the seas washing over the vessel, which developed a considerable list. The engineroom was flooded fore and aft and the bulkheads stove in. At one stage on Saturday evening when the Kaponga’s stem was free and her engines working, it was hoped she would be saved, but the stern line was freed and the vessel began moving towards the breakwater again. Although the Kaimai did not enter the port as was intended, but went instead to Westport, the channel is how clear with 21ft Sin lepth and the Komata and the Karepo are loading here. The tug Terawhiti was recalled to Wellington overnight before reaching the roadstead. The preliminary inquiry will be opened to-morrow. The crew this morning recovered their effects from the • ’’eck, which remains fast by the stern. It is considered probable that the deck fittings, winches, and other material will be salvaged. Earlier Reports. A message from Greymouth ou Saturday staled that the Kaponga’s position was unchanged at mid-day, little being possible until the arrival of the Terawhiti. The prospects of salvage were considered hopeful. There was a moderate swell on the bar. It had been ascertained that the Kalingo, which was drawing a foot less than the Kaponga, touched and whistled whpn she sailed about half an hour earlier. The bar at 1.30 p.m. was mounded, Captain Grey being present, and the depth then was 13ft, indicating 21ft 9in at high water on the peak of which the Kaponga reached the bar. The tug Terawhiti left Wellington for Greymouth at 1.45 a.m. on Saturday.