ENGINES FAIL

Southland Times, Issue 22113, 6 September 1933, Page 8

ENGINES FAIL

SMASH IN HARBOUR RANGATIRA HITS CRANE HEAVY DAMAGE RESULTS (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, September 5. Damage totalling over £lOOO was done this morning when the _ ferry steamer Rangatira from Wellington crashed into the floating crane Rapaki at Lyttelton. The Rangatira pushed the Rapaki astern into the breastwork, crushing the pilot launch Ruahine against the piles and smashing four piles. The Rangatira had two stern plates damaged but she will sail for Wellington tonight for repairs. A resounding crash was heard all over the port as the huge floating crane crushed the launch Ruahine against the breastwork and finally pushed it over four broken piles to rest under the staging. The Rapaki’s stern plates were damaged and much of the protective belting torn. The damage to the craneship is estimated at £2OO, while the repairs to the launch Ruahine are expected to cost at least £5OO. The accident is ascribed to the failure of the Rangatira’s engines to go ahead as she backed into her berth. A diver is now making an underwater examination of the stem of the Rangatira, but it is stated that she is not making water. SAILING DELAYED RANGATIRA’S DEPARTURE. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, September 5. The ferry steamer Rangatira sailed for Wellington to-night at 11.15. A. diver found the cable of the Rapaki firmly wedged between the rudder and stem of the ship and the difficulty, of releasing it was increased at high tide by the weight of the anchor suspended from the cable. It was not until the anchor rested on the seabed at low tide that progress could be made. The cable was eventually cleared, the steering gear was tested and the ship was ready to sail.