SHIPPING CASUALTIES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10346, 29 December 1911, Page 1

SHIPPING CASUALTIES.

NARROW ESCAPE OF THE KOONYA. [From Otjr Correspondent .] DUNEDIN, December 28. The collier Koonya, at present under overhaul in the dock at Port Chalmers, on her last trip from Westport came as near to experiencing disaster as any vessel that ever escaped unscathed from a thrilling experience. After she left Westport she was steaming quietly down the coast when her propelling machinery broke down. The sea was smooth and the wind light at the time, lmt an hour or so afterwards a southerly gale came up. Tho steamer drove rapidly towards the rocks. Both anchors were let go when the vessel drifted into sufficiently shallow water for the anchors to grip. She was in an extremely dangerous predicament close to tho rocks and a short distance from Cape Foul wind lighthouse. As the big rollers ran shorewards, they broke green over the disabled vessel's bows. The impact of the rollers against her bows strained the anchor cables to breaking point. At length one of the cables gave way, then one anchor alone held the steamer, which every moment was threatened with being flung up against the rocky cliffs and battered to a shapeless wreck. Meanwhile the lighthouse people had sent news of the vessel's desperate 'plight to Westport, and when disaster seemed to be only a matter of moments the Westport tug hove in sight. A tow-line was successfully passed, and the crippled vessel was towed to and anchored off Westport, the sea being too rough for her to enter the river. _ After twenty-six hours of arduous toil in the engine-room the engineers had the machinery again in working order, and the Koonya proceeded on her voyage at reduced speed, taking the precaution of going via Cook Strait in case the temporarily repaired machinery again broke down, but no further mishap occurred. The Koonya is now undergoing a thorough overhaul in dock at Port Chalmers.