DERELICT IN BASS STRAIT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19367, 25 July 1925, Page 5

DERELICT IN BASS STRAIT

SMALL STEAMER ABAN DONED CREW TAKES TO OPEN BOAT. EXHAUSTED WHEN RESCUED. Received July 24, 10.5 p.m. MELBOURNE, July 23. The Holyman Company’s small steamer Awaroa is drifting derelict in Bass Strait in the direction and track of vessels bound round AVilson’s Promontory. A wireless from the steamer Huntingdon reported that she had picked up the crow of the Awaroa, numbering 13, in the vicinity of Cape Liphap. The reasons for abandonment arc not stated. The Awaroa was on route from Hobart with a general cargo to ■Melbourne and is supposed tn have been disabled in the rough weather. CREW’S TRYING ORDEAL. Received Julv 24, 11.5 p.m. AIELBOURNE. July 23. Details in connection with the aban donment of the Awaroa show that she sprang a leak during a heavy gale and began to till. The crew worked all night knee-deep in water and jettisoned a portion of the timber cargo in endeavours to save the Awaroa. Eventual!} it was decided to abandon her. An attempt. was made to launch a lifeboat, but. it was smashed by the waves. Thf crew managed io launch the second lifeboat and after being battered about for a considerable time in the rough sea they were rescued in an exhausted condition by the Huntingdon, which saw distress signals.