Stranding of the Loch Ken.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4750, 21 July 1883, Page 4

Stranding of the Loch Ken.

[Pbb Pbbss Association.] THAMES, July 20. Tho ba v que Looh Ken got aground last night on a mud bank about six miles off Grahamstown. She waa bound from Auokland to. London, but owing to her compasses being at fault got out of her course. She fired several rockets, but they were mistaken for lightning flaahfa, aB a thunder storm pre- . vailed at th« time. This morning the Thames steamer Botomahana, leaving hero at 7.30 o'clook, enquired if assistance wbb required, and the Looh Ken BJgo&lled "Yes." The steamer took on the chief officer to Auckland to obtain further as»istance, and on hor return to-night will attempt to tow her off. The Loch Ken is owned by ths New Zealand Shipping Company, and is built of iroa. Bhe is under the command of Captain Watson, formerly of the Loch Deo. She is lying in s-ffc raud, and is in no danger. Captain Bayidou, our Harbourmaster, baa gono off to her, and will remain to render aisistanoo. Her cargo is valued at £30,150. She haß 8 few passengers. In all probability she will bo got off with the morning tide. 'Iho captain mistook tbe land seen for the Groat Barrier on tbe left and Capo Cohille on the right, direoting his mate to look for Uurrer Island ahead. Latest, The Loah Ken was got off safely on to.night's tide by the Thames Harbourmaster, Captain Bayldon, to-day. The vessel is quite uninjured, and she Bails on her voyage by the next tide, lhe cause of the vessel getticg out of its course was the masthead compass being out of repair, which was discovered when Captain Bayldon went on board.