LOST HER PROPELLER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 803, 25 October 1929, Page 13

LOST HER PROPELLER

APANUI TOWED BACK INTO PORT A heavy thud, followed by a racing of the propeller shaft, was heard on the Northern Steamship Company's steamer Apanui at 2.15 o'clock this morning, when the vessel was about three miles outside Tiritiri Island, bound for Great Barrier Island. Investigation proved that she had slipped her propeller. The engines were shut down immediately and shortly afterward too vessel anchored and a wireless request for assistance was sent out to Auckland. The company engaged tfce Auckland Launch and Towboat Company’s tug Kumea, which was quickly dispatched to tow the Apanui back into port. The Kumea was under way with the disabled ship in tow at 9.30 a.m., and the Apanui was berthed again at King’s Wharf at noon. The exact cause of the mishap is not known, although it is probable that the propeller struck some obstacle. It is thought that a floating log may have been encountered. As soon as the Apanui berthed, a start was made in discharging her cargo, and when empty she is to slip and have a new propeller fitted. She is to sail for Parenga and way ports at noon tomorrow as previously scheduled.

The Apanui is commanded by Captain E. Keatley. There was only one passenger on board.