5,5, Wanaka Ashore.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9046, 2 April 1891, Page 2

5,5, Wanaka Ashore.

FULL PARTICULARS. I VESSEL ON THE PUKETAPU REEF. PASSENGERS SAFELY LANDED. A great deal of excitement was caused in town this (Thursday) morning, when it became known that the Union S.S. Company's steamer Wanaka — a regular trader on this coast — was ashore between Bell Block and \^aiongona, on what is known as the Puketapu reef — a long line of rocks that runs out to sea for a considerable dis • tanco. The reef, lies between the reefs on which tho steamers Rangatira and Bellinger respectively struck some years ago. The Wanaka, which is commanded by Captain Meades, left Onehunga at 2 o'clock on Wednesday for the breakwater. She crossed the Manukau bar at about 4 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, and was due at the breakwater about 4 o'clock next morning. There were several lady and gentlemen passengers — among them being Mr and Mrs Samuel, who were returning horne — in the saloon, and there were several passengers in the steerage, and there were also some children From the data supplied by a passenger it appears that everything went all right coming down, until at about half-past 3 o'clock this morning. At this time there was a thick misty haze, as if produced by smoke from bush fires hanging over the sea, and it was jrnpossiblo to see a length of the steamer ahead. Tlio sea was quite calm, with just the gentle swell that is always tQ,bc,saQn on the ocean in the boat of weather. The steamor suddenly struck, tho captain being on tho bridge at the time, and much consternation was occasioned on board for a time. It seemed aa if the steamer struck stern on, and then swung round with her head pointing towards the sugarloaves, and broadside on to the land. Captain Moades behaved splendidly, andso did all his crew. The boats were got readiness, overytlnng working smoothly, and then the lead was sounded. An attempt was then made to get her off, but she did not move. A kedge anchor was then got out, and an attempt made to get her off that way, but { without avail. The tide at the time was about two hours after flood, and consequently every .half hour that passed was putting the vessel in a worse position. At about 6 o'clock, seeing that it was useless to try without assistance, Captain Meades despatched the ship's boat to the breakwater, after burning lights and throwing v p rockets. Several passengers, including Mr ami Mrs Samuel, came away in-the boar, and were landed at the breakwater. The Harbormaster, Captain Holford, on being informed of tho mishap at once set to work to send assistance out. Mr W. L. Newman, the Company's agent, also busied himself. Steam was got up on the Mohaka, and the little steamer then towed one of the hqrbor surf boats containing appliances and the ship's boat down to the steamer. Several went down, including Mr Newman and Captain Holford. The passengers all speak in the highest praise of the conduct of Captain Meades and the officers and crew under him. VIEWED FROM TOWN. There were hundreds of persons viewing the steamer from the beach and other vantage spots this (Thursday) morning. The vessel is lying on the reef about a mile and a-half out from tho .beach, and well within the reef. She appears to be hung up, so to speak, and even with the naked eye rocks could be perceived this morning at, low water on both sides of her. Steam was kept up all the time. As far as could bo learned this (Thursday) morning, the steamer was not making water at all.' When she went ashore it is stated that there was not a sign of a rock, the whole reef being covered by the tide.