TOTAL LOSS ON GREY BAR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 125, 30 May 1932, Page 7

TOTAL LOSS ON GREY BAR

STRANDED STEAMER KAPONGA

ALL EFFORTS TO MOVE SHIP PROVE UNAVAILING CREW .’BANDON VESSEL DURING EARLY MORNING (Pei- Press Association'). GREYMOUTH, May 29. The stranded steamer Kaponjia has become a total wreck on the Grey Bar, where her position had remained unaltered, with her bow near the north breakwater until Saturday afternoon. As the tide was then rising', the steamers Komata, from inside the harbour, and Kaimai from outside, engaged with haw. sers in an effort to bring the Kaponga’s bow upstream, the idea being, if possible, to tow her into port. They moved the vessel round until she faced upstream, but the hull remained fast amidships. The sea, however, rose with the tide, and from 6 p.m. southerly rollers moved the stranded vessel towards the northern breakwater. It then became evident that there was little chance of salvage. About 40 tons of coal cargo had been jettisoned in the afternoon. At about 2.30 a.m. to-day the erew began leaving the Vessel, and all had abandoned her by 4.20 a.m., using a breeches buoy connected with the north breakwater to come ashore. This morning’s tide saw seas washing over the vessel, which developed a considerable list. The engine room was flooded and fore and aft bulkheads stove in. At one stage on Saturday evening, when the Kaponga's stem was free and the engines were working, it was hoped that she would be saved, but then the stern line was freed and the vessel began moving towards the breakwater again. Although the Kaimai did not enter the port, as intended, but went instead to Westport, the channel is now dear with 21 feet 8 inches depth. The Komata and Karepo are loading here. The tug Terawhiti was recalled to Wellington overnight before reaching the roadstead. There will be a preliminary inquiry to-morrow. The erew this morning recovered their effects from tho wreck, which remains fast by the stern. It is considered probable that the deck fittings, winches and other materials will be salvaged. The Union (,'ompnny’s cargo steamer Kaponga wns sailing with a full cargo of 2900 tons of coal on Friday afternoon for Auckland, when she became utrandod on the Grey bar. Tho vessel carried a company of 33. The master was Captain Gray; the chief officer was Mr. T. E. Bevan; the second officer, Air. W. B. Gibsonj third, Air. L. Clarke; and the chief engineer, Mr. Dilncr. Tho bar was sounded at 1.0 p.m., Captain Gray being present,,and tho depth was then 13ft.. indicating 21ft. Din. at high water, on the peak of which the Kaponga reached the bar. That was just after four o’clock. The vessel was drawing 18ft. 6in. She struck opposite the signal station and subsequently moved out a distance of about twice her length. Tho sen was quite moderate, but the vessel’s bow was gradually veered to the northward by the swell, which was increasing, and the ship then lay across tho inner bar, there bc/ig a second bar further out. Captain Cox, harbourmaster, stated that the Kaponga left the wharf at 3.45 p.m., so as to be on the Ixir at tho top of high water. There was then a considerable swell. The vessel whistled once, indicating a bump. He thought she was clear but then it appeared she was fast amidships. It has been ascertained that tho Kalingo, which was drawing a foot less than the Kaponga, touched the bar and whistled when she sailed half an hour before the Kaponga. After standing by for some time the Kalingo proceeded to Newcastle. The Kaponga was a steel steamer of 2344 tons and was built by XV. Gray and Company, Limited, XVest Hartlepool, in 1925. The vessel was specially constructed for tho Union Company’s coal trade from XX’cst Coast ports of the South Island, but she was also very suitable for general cargo purposes. Tho vessel was leaving Greymouth' for Auckland after being bar bound for about four days.