RAN INTO HUGE SEAS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume III, Issue 371, 28 June 1935, Page 2

RAN INTO HUGE SEAS

STEAMER MATAI’S TRIP VISITS TO EAST COAST LIGHTHOUSES Press Association— Copyright Auckland, June 27. Huge seas which threatened to overwhelm her were encountered by the Government steamer Matai in the Bay of Plenty in the course of her periodical visit to east coast lighthouses. The vessel arrived at Auckland to-day. Entering the Bay of Plenty, after rounding Cape Runaway, the Matai met the combination of a heavy northerly swell and a north-easterly gale. She shipped seas continually and the climax was reached when one enormous wave swept the upper deck and even the bridge. “I have been in some terrific gales off the coast in this ship but I have never struck a sea like that before,” said Captain Burgess. ‘‘The bathroom, the door of which was open, on the upper deck was completely filled with water. The sturdy little vessel could make little headway in such weather. ‘Roll!” said the captain, ‘‘it felt as if she was going to roll her inside out.” Conditions were so bad that the Matai was forced to put about and return to Cape Runaway for shelter. Within four hours, however, the sea appeared to moderate and she resumed her voyagp, but she struck very rough seas again. Throughout the crossing of the bay articles were thrown about below the decks but no serious damage was done.