RAGING TO THE RESCUE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16750, 3 June 1922, Page 9

RAGING TO THE RESCUE.

ARAHURA’S EXPERIENCE. CAPTAIN’S DRAMATIC STORY. (Per Press Association.) GISBORNE, Juno 3. Captain Dryden states that the Arahura was in the Bay of Plenty, battling against a heavy easterly gale, when the Wiltshire’s first call for help was picked, up. A turn was made immediately. and the Arahura went all out in the direction of Great- Barrier Island. The atmosphere fairlv buzzed with wireless to and from the Wiltshire and other vessels which had received the call. The night was very thick, with gale increasing, but the Arahura made good progress. At 7 a.m. she sighted the wreck. Great waves were beating against the cliff where the "Wiltshire was stranded. The Katoa was standing by, bul, being a light ship, could not keep to windward off the lee'shore, and was some distance off. The Wiltshire was head on about 50 yards from the steep cliff, and was fiercely pounded by huge seas. Few signs of life could be seen aboard the crew apparentlv sheltering below. The Arahura worked cautiously to within a mile of the Wiltshire, not daring to go closer, as the east coast of the Great Barrier is unsounded. Wireless messages indicated that the water was rising in the Wiltshire. Eventually the latter signalled by flags that the dynamo had stopped, and the wireless was out of action for sending purposes, though it could still receive messages. The Arahura’s operator then sent a message explaining how the plant could 1)C brought into operation for short-

I range messages. After that th© Wiltshire’s wireless improved. Captain Dryden enquired sw? to the position of the Wiltshire, and how those on board were faring. A despairing reply was received that the situation was desperate, and the danger great. The sea at this time was running higher than ever, and there was no possibility of a lifeboat living. The -sea.. Captain Dryden said, was as high ns it could be anywhere, possibly with the exception of Cape Horn. Certainly it was the highest ho had ever seen on the ©oast for rears. The Arahura stood by till 2.30 on Thursday, and as nothing more could be done in tho raging sea- Captain Dryden decided to resume his voyage. The passengers describe their feeling of helplessness at their inability to succour the shipwrecked crew as most tense. The Arahura’a wireless operator had his telephones ocn continuously for seventeen hours. MR MASSEY'S APPRECIATION. TRIBUTE TO THE RESCUERS (Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN. June 3. Mr Massey expressed to a Star representative liis great appreciation of the rescue work of the Wiltshire s officers and crew. He said: Whilst we all regret the loes of this fine steamer, I desire to express on behalf of the Government m.v very warm appreciation of the splendid efforts of all engaged in the gallant work of rescuing the ship’s company under most difficult and dangerous conditions. The strenuous work connected with the rescue was just what we might have expected from British sailors and hardy settlers of the island."