WRECKED ON A REEF.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 4 May 1912, Page 5

WRECKED ON A REEF.

FATE OF THREE-MASTED

SCHOONEJt

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, May 3. The Tahnip, which arrived at Auckland to-day from the islands, brought news of - the . wreck of the American .three-masted. ■sehoonei\GvW. Watson on <i reef at Raiatea (Society Grout)),' on April 5. Tho schooner had completed discharging her cargo of lumber from Pa get Hound, and was proceeding to sea undai: .tho charge of a pilot, when she .struck^ roof in the channel. She remained1 hard and fast several hours, out eventually floated off and proceeded or; hoi- voyage to San Francisco. The vessel had barely cleared the island when it was discovered 'that she was fast making water. The pumos were manned, ami an endeavour made"to keep tho water under. After manoeuvring about some time, the captain decided to return to Raiatea, and the vessel was headed for the north-west passage. It was.whi.Lo attempting to negotiate this passage-that she came to her end. By this time the water had-, gained considerably, and on the well being again sounded it was found that 11 feet of water was in her hold. The ship became unmanageable-, and she struck a reef about seven miles before reaehino- the passage.. She then settled on the reef, and soon ■became -a total wreck. When the Talune passed the spot on April 18 only tho fore part of tho vessel was visible. The wreck was subsequently •purchased by natives for a, small sum. The captain, his wife, and the crew, •numbering seven, were successful in reaching the shore. They proceeded by the Talune to Rarotonga, whore ,they s ' joined the mail steamer A'orahg!i'*'ffom' 1J San Francisco. ~ . ~; ;. i-,: .■<■-.