KAHIKA IN GALE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18636, 4 August 1930, Page 8

KAHIKA IN GALE.

CREW ON RATIONS. By Telegraph—Press Association. GISBORNE, August 2. Encountering a strong southerly gale off Castlepoint, the Kahika, bound from Gisborne to Dunedin, was unable to make headway owing to shortage of coal. The vessel, which was in exceptionally light trim, was driven north over 250 miles off her course. The storm dropped on Thursday morning, the Kahika then being a few miles north of East Cape, and proceeded to Hicks Bay without further mishap. The Kahika wirelessed for assistance, maintaining constant communication with land. The Waimui was despatched on Wednesday night, and successfully towed the Kahika to port, arriving here last night. The Kahika received several buffetings during the drift north, heavy seas frequently beating over the stern. One tremendous wave stove in the starboard forward bulwark, and flooded the crew's quarters. Otherwise, no damage was done. The crew were placed on rations after the second day, tinned meat providing the chief food supplies. Bread was low, while the butter was all used. Captain stated that he would not like to meet a worse gale, but despite this, none of the crew suffered injury. The vessel was never in immediate danger. The Kakika replenished her bunkers to-day, Luiu is to sail to-mgnt for Dunedin.