COLLIER ASHORE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 19, 23 January 1946, Page 3

COLLIER ASHORE

KAREPO AGROUND OFF CAPE FOULWIND STRUCK IN DENSE FOG ;PA.) Westport, Jan. 22. At approximately high water and in a dense fog off shore, the Union Steam Ship Company’s collier Karepo, of 2562 tons gross register, struck the outer rolk of The Steeples, off Cape Poulwi-d, at about 1.30 this afternoon.

The vessel was proceeding empty from Auckland to Greymouth to load coal.

Immediately on receipt of advice, the Marine Department’s launch left Westport to ascertain the position of the vessel, but returned some three hours later to report that she was unable to see the Karepo owing to fog and heavy rain, which set in about 5.30 p.m.

The Union Company’s Karu and the Marine Department’s dredge Rubi Seddon are now standing by, and it is understood that arrangements are being made for the Wellington Harbour Board’s tug Toia to proceed to the scene.

An attempt will be made to tow the Karepo off at high water, approximately 3.30 a.m to-morrow. The fog late this evening had lifted somewhat, but heavy rain persists, making very poor visibility. The sea, which had been moderate, now shows signs of getting up, and if it continues to make, the vessel will be in a very precarious position on the seaward side of The Steeples which lie about three miles off Cape Foulwind.

It is impossible in the meantime to say what damage the ship may have suffered, although it is believed that she is holed forward. The Steeples are a bold rock of pinnacles, and are a feature of the coast. They have rarely, if ever, claimed a victim in the past. The Karepo is commanded by Captain J. Beaton and carries a crew of about 45? She has been engaged in the West Coast coal trade for many years. _