MISHAP IN GALE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 89, 16 April 1938, Page 10

MISHAP IN GALE

Inter-Island Steamer And Warship

MINOR COLLISION H.M.S. ACHILLES GOES AGROUND CRUISER REFLOATED ON TIDE ( Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, April 15. A sensational mishap involving one of His Majesty’s ships and the inter-island steamer Rangatira occurred in the harbour on Thursday night.

At the height ol the north-west gale, which was blowing in squalls of nearly 70 miles an hour, the Rangatira, which was departing for Lyttelton with about 1000 passengers on board, got into difficulties after leaving the wharf. After clearing the Wanganella, which was lying almost right ahead of her at the outer tee of Queen’s Wharf, the Rangatira let go her anchor to bring her head round and to prevent her going too far too leeward. The Rangatira then steamed ahead to clear the Clyde Quay wharf, but her anchor fouled the cable of H.M.S. Achilles, which was berthed there. The cruiser was torn away bodily from the wharf, her anchor dragging and all her moorings parting, while the starboard after part of the Rangatira struck the bow of the Achilles and sustained minor damage to the upper structure. The Rangatira got clear by slipping her anchor and 15 fathoms of cable.

The Achilles went aground on a soft mudbank abreast of the entrance to the inner breakwater of the boat harbour and at rig’t angles to the head of the wharf. She remained in that position for fo; r hours, being refloated on the rising tide with the assistance of two tugs shortly after midnight. The cruiser sustained damage to her propellers and may have to be docked. The Rangatira, after getting clear, went to sea, clearing Pencarrow Head at 9 o’clock.