AGROUND ON REEF

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21819, 23 November 1940, Page 8

AGROUND ON REEF

Vessel Strikes Terrific Storm By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received November 22, 7.45 p.m.) MELBOURNE, November 22. An inter-state passenger steamer ran aground in a howling gale outside the entrance to Port Philip Bay last night. She is now hard and fast on a reef with huge waves breaking over her. So far no boat has been able to reach her and it is not known whether any lives have been lost. The ship’s complement is about 120 and it is believed that seven passengers are aboard. The vessel ran into a terrific storm in Bass Strait. S.O.S. calls were received from her at 11 o’clock last night and it is believed that she was seeking shelter when she went aground. A tug left Port Melbourne

early this morning. After the continuous blowing of a siren which awakened residents, fishermen put to sea in small boats but after a stern fight were forced to return. The Queenscliffe lifeboat crew were also unable to reach the stranded ship. Rescue Effected A later message states that the passengers and crew of the steamer were rescued by a lifeboat to-day. The steamer lies half a 'mile offshore perched on a reef which is partly exposed at low tide. It is not known how the steamer got in such a position as she should have entered port several miles distant. Visibility at the time of the stranding was nil. Divers and salvagers inspected the steamer to-day with a view to attempting salvage. None of the 17 passengers was injured. All were in good spirits and suffered no great inconvenience while awaiting the rescuers who took them off at daylight this morning when the weather was much improved.