PORT ELLIOT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18917, 21 January 1924, Page 10

PORT ELLIOT

SALVAGING THE CARGO GISEOPNE, Jan. 19 Work at the stranded Port Elliott is proceeding satisfactorily. Practically all dry cargo, including motorcars, typewriters, and tractors, has been removed. The remainder of the cargo which includes 4000 cases of benzine and 50 motor cars, is under water. A diver may be em ployed. A visit to the wreck shows the effect of the tremendous impact when the vessel struck. The bottom of the hull was severely rent, the engines being seriously damaged, and arc now practically resting on the bed of the sea. WIRELESS OPERATOR’S STORY GISBORNE, Jan. 19 . Mr. Furneaux, wireless officer of the Port Elliot, states that he was on watch at the time the vessel struck. The night was pitch dark, with a thick fog. The vessel was travelling about 13 knots, and without warning went over a reef. It seemed to just slide over the reef and pull up. There was absolutely no panic, and not the slightest disorganisation. The fog was practically impenetrable, the only thing : een being a fire on shore, which through the haze seemed to be a great distance away. Full speed astern was given for about ten minutes, without altering the vessel’s position. After about an hour the steamer commenced to go down by the head. The boats were launched and the crew rowed to sea for some distance, waiting for daylight. The engine-room was flooded and the vessel is a total wreck. The engines w resting on a reef, and every time the vessel moves the engines, remain stationary. Mr. Furneaux stated that no S. O. S. messages were sent, there being little or no cause for anxiety, but about ten minutes after running ashore a message wa s despatched to Auckland stating what had occurred.