WRECK OF THE WAINUI

West Coast Times, Issue 10530, 14 July 1897, Page 4

WRECK OF THE WAINUI

[Per United Press Association.]

Nelson, July 13.

The Wninui struck the Beef Barrels about eleven o'clock last night. The officers behaved with splendid coolness. There was no panic among the passengers who were all supplied with life belts. The boats were swung clear ready for an emergency. The vessel was taken into shoal water near Two Island Point. About two o'clock the Corinna came along. All the passengers and mails were transferred to her and brought to Nelson The Wainui was making for Waipawa Bay as the tide rose to be beaohed. The Corinna returned at once with pumps, etc.) to stand by. Examination Bhowed about two feet of water in the forehold) with an inrush from a holo in the bow, but no water aft. The night was very tbif'k There were 33 saloon pasaengers and iwo steerage. The officers and engineers are highly commended for their conduct. Passengers— Misse3 Wither, Satchell, Lyndon, Staples, Smythe, Meedames Satchell, and M'Nab, Messrs Wills, Penney, Fox, Watkins, M' Alpine, Gilberd, Robinson, Gully Austice, Evatt, Staples (2), Bamford, M'Nab, and the Hon R. Reeves.

The Wainui left Nelson during heavy rain, but it was clear with a clouded moon when approaching the French Pass. The struck the Beef Barrels at a place marked in the chart as Kahikatoa, which is jubt covered by water at high tide. This is midway between Point Sauvage. and Hole-in-the-Roek point. The vessel struck three or four times and then got off. As she was making water it was resolved to take her to Waikawa Bay and beach her on Wells' land, a sandy strip well sheltered, but in entering the bay the Wainui struck a reef which juts out a quarter of a mile from Hole-in-the-Rock Point. Here she lies fast in a dangerous position, as if she cants outward nothing can save her, for the water is a sheer depth of 17 fathoms.

When the vessel struck excellent order prevailed. The passengers were told the Corinna would be passing in two hours and it was decided to wait for her. They were transhipped in good order and arrived safely at Nelson. Thtf tug Duco and the pumping gear has been wired for to Wellington and the Corinna has left to stand by the Wainui. The cargo consisted of fruit, jams, beer, some machinery belonging to the railway shops, sundries and coal.

There were 33 saloon passengers and three steerage. They were brought back by the Corinna, including nine ladies.

It was remarked on board that had it not been for the coal she would have taken in water faster. When the passengers left, the Wainui had a cant forward.

An account of a passenger states that the passengers felt the greatest Confidence in Captain Lambert and officers. As soon as the vessel struck the Beef Barrels the boats were swung out in readiness but there was no necessity to lower them.

The Corinna arrived shortly afterwards and took off the passengers. The-Wai-nui's boats were also used in taking the passengers first and luggage afterwards.

The latest wire the Union Coy. re. ceived re the Wainui from Captain Lambert is—" Beached the Wainui at Waikapa Bay with 12ft to 14ft of water alongside. The leakage is in the fore part ;• making Ino water aft. A boat can lay alongside and take all cargo out. Think a diver conld effect temporary repairs."

The Union Coy. intend to recall the Herald from Taranaki, and she, in conjunction with the Mawhera, will keep up the West Coast running. This arrangement will hold good for the present week. If the damage to the Wainui should take some time to complete fresh pians for the running of the steamers will probably .have be mapped out from next week.