COASTAL WRECK.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume 1, Issue 235, 7 November 1914, Page 11

COASTAL WRECK.

THE KOUTUNUI ASHORE. STRIKES REEF IN BAY OF PLENTY CREW SAFELY ASHORE. .LITTLE HOPE OF SAYING STEAMER. Press Association. | GISBORNE, November 7. ! Messrs Richardson and Company's steamer Koutumii struck the Peria Reef, between Waihou Bay and Raukokore, in the Bay of Plenty, at midnight in calm weather. The tide was rising, and the vessel was driven to within fifty yards of the shore, where she now liea. She will probably be left high and , dry at low tide. The steamer Squall arrived to her assistance shortly before ten o'clock, and all hands are now on shore. The cargo will be transferred to the Squall. Later. The wreck occurred six miles from Cape Runaway, on the Opotiki side. The Koutunui was steaming towards Raukokore, when she struck the reef. The weather was calm, and the rising tide floated her off, and she drifted ashore. A heavy sea came up in the morning, and the steamer was washed further uj> on the beach, which is of a rocky nature and very exposed. The Squall was at Cape Runaway, and on receipt of the news immediately proceeded to the wreck. By noon to-day she had been able to take off all the Koutunui's cargo, of which there was a fair quantity. All hands are safely ashore. Captain Vasta this morning expressed the opinion that there will be no hope of getting the vessel off. [The Koutunui is a small steamer of 171 tons burden, built in 1910 for the New Zealand Shipping Company, who subsequently sold the vessel to her present owners. She traded between Wellington, Napier, Gisborne, and East Coast Bays. |