NARROW ESCAPE OF THE S.S. HAWEA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1181, 22 May 1884, Page 3

NARROW ESCAPE OF THE S.S. HAWEA.

The steamer Hawea on her last trip from New Plymouth to Nelson had a narrow escape from going ashore in Cable Bay. From the statements made by passengers it appears the vessel left New Plymouth at 8.30 on Wednesday, the wind blowing a gale from N.W., with a heavy sea. As the wind was fair one of the topsails and the foresail was set, and as the vessel was travelling at a good speed every precaution seems to have been taken. Instead of one patent being used two were put out. When abreast of Cape Egmont about i six o'clock the sails were taken in, and a good look |out kept for the land, as it was thought land had been seen on the port bow, but as the weather was thick and cloudy no great distance could be seen. Knowing that she had made excellent running, aud that she would be approaching laud, at seven the captain put her head slow, himself and the second officer keeping a look out. In fact he never left the deck. The logs being examined showed still a considerable distance from Nelson. Notwithstanding, the vessel was kept slow, about four or five miles an hour. Th? loom of land was again seen on the port bow, and whilst the captain was watching for signs of land the second officer reported land on the starboard bow. The captain instantly stopped her, but suddenly, as if coming out of the mist, land was seen in front, and on either side of ..the steamer. The order { Full speed astern ' was given, but it looked as if getting the steamer off shore was an impossibility. Full speed astern in such a heavy sea meant of course sea after sea coming over the stern. The sudden plunging of the stern and the force of the waves breaking over the deck and wetting the saloon made the passengers who were sick get out of their berths and look anxious. The light had to be put out for the water was coming over the glasses. The stewards were busy baling the water from the smoking room on deck. Everything was done coolly ; all the crew were called, and the boats got ready. For about an hour the steamer remained backing and shivering from stern to stem with every sea. The forces of the waves smashed the thick glass in the stern light, and the carpenter had to block one up to prevent the salooa filling. Both crew and passengers, as well as the ladies, kept very quiet, although all were very anxious at first. The soundings taken showed five fathoms. After a quarter of an hour's steaming six fathoms, then eight fathoms. After an hour's fight, the Hawea got far enough out to be put head to sea. The passengers give the captain and officers, especially the second mate, great credit. The current and westerly wind must have set the vessel over to the east, and thus made Cable Bay.