THE MANAROA WRECKED.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 281, 19 April 1913, Page 5

THE MANAROA WRECKED.

lost ox tttt: beef barrels. Bv T»'li'g:v.ph—Press Association. Nelson. Last Xight. The well-known coastal steamer Manaroa. while on a voyage from Motucka. to Wellington, struck on the rocks known as the Beef Barrels at 12.45 this morning, and was subsequently beached on D'Urville Tslaiul in a sinking condition. The vessel was owned by Johnston & Co., of Wellington, and was of 127 tons burthen. Captain Gilbertson and the crew and eleven passengers were saved.

The master states that lie left Motueka about 7 p.m. yesterday, and sighted the French Pass light about 11 p.m., but the light was only visible at times. lie set « course that should have taken him well' inside the Beef Barrels. He did this on account of the strong south-east-erly wind blowing, but he states tlmt this must have taken him out of his course and on to the rocks. The vessel struck with her fore part, but did not stop altogether, and the craft kept way on all the time. As the vessel was gradually sinking, the boats were got out, and everything was in readiness should the vessel go down, but the captain ordered 110 one to go into the boats. There was a nasty choppy sea from the strong land wind that was blowing, and it would have been unwise for the boats to be lowered unless absolutelynecessary. Captain Gilliertson then endeavored to beach the vessel, but great dilliculty was experienced in doing this, and it was not until 2 a.m., when the vessel was nearly full, that lie managed to beach her. The passengers and crew, with the exception of the captain, then left the ship, and were hospitably received bv the settlers. They were taken on to Wellington by the Xikan to-night, The steamer is lying in a bad position, with her stern in deep water. At low tide the stern is visible, but when the tide is high only the top of the funnel is showing above the water. It is not expected that the vessel will be refloated without great difficulty. Captain Ciibertson iiad only been in command for a week. Previously he was mate o? the Mannron and other coastal boats. Shipping men state that had a light been on Okuri Point the wreck could not have happened. There have been several wrecks on the Beef Barrels, including those of the Koranui and Lvttelton, and several other boats have had narrow escapes.