Stranding of a Steamer.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5191, 23 December 1884, Page 4

Stranding of a Steamer.

• [Pee Peess Association.] GREYMOUTH, Dec. 22. The steamer Star of the South attempted to come in over the bar when the river was running eight knots. At last she got over, bub on entering the river was caught by the current and swung right round. She got up sail and endeavoured to extricate herself from her difficulty, but was unable to make any headway. She is now touching the stone work with her bow, just at the entrance, rising and falling with the swell, and striking each time, but apparently without damage. After the steamer struck, a couple of spars were stretched from the shore, and Mrs Blackie and six children wero got ashore. Extra chains and ropes were then made fast, and all the effects of the passengers, officers, and crew were sent ashore, after which the crew commenced to discharge cargo. Before much was discharged, the Harbour Master said it was dangerous for" men to be on board, as in the position she wa3 she might slip off and carry away her moorings, 'when there would be every probability of all hands being lost. Work was then stopped, and the men came ashore. Nothing has been done since, though the weather abated soon afterwards. The Star on this trip made the best time she ever did: .She is said to be owned by Wilson, Harraway and Co., of Dunedin, and is supposed to be insured in Dunedin as she was usually insured. Mr Hodge is master, his brother being chief offi-fr. Mossrs Keith, Eamsay and Co., of Dunodin, are agents. She is lying very much down at the stern, with a strong list to starboard, and has come holes in her bow plates, besides being dented considerablj*; Her sails are still set. No reason :■» :<-■: . i^ned for taking the bur with th--

\ river in high flood, and coming down I almost like a torrent. The officers decline to say anything. As the weather is calmer, she may hold where she is for tho night.