THE STEAMER HAWEA.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LIX, Issue 9212, 3 November 1908, Page 6

THE STEAMER HAWEA.

STORY OF THE DISASTER

All last week the Hawea had been lying alongside the wharf at; Greymouth taking iv her cargo, the last stick of which was got aboard on Thursday night. On Friday a fresh southerly breeze was blowing, and with it came a rather nasty roll on the bar, but it was not regarded as sufficient to prevent; shipping movements. About 11.30 the small steamer Putiki crossed inwards and negotiated Hie bar without any apparent difficulty. The Hawea then prepared to leave, and the last line was taken in about 1 p.m. The vessel proceeded down the river, and wheu nearlng the bar, a rather heavy roll was experienced. By the time she was opposite the si-gnal station there was a "drop" of about six feet, and as die Hawea was drawing 17 feet, this was rather serious. The steamer had nob gone much farther when a "drop" of about four feet took plaue resulting in the bow touching the bottom. Just at tnis unfortunate moment a huge roller came in, the vessel swung round, and before control was regained was carried bodily on to the Northern Tip Head, despite the efforts of the captain who ordered "full speed ahead." But fate was unrelenting and the vessel struck hard. The accident had been witnessed from the wharf, aud there was cousequeutly a wild rush for Tip Head. Here it was seen that the Hawea's position was an extremely unenviable one. Already huge rollers were breakiug over the bow aud sweeping along the vessel, which appeared to be aground amidships, and which had a list of about forty degrees to port. The danger of the crew was increased by reason of the lashings holding the deck cargo in position giving way and freeing the timber, which floated about in all directions. , While a state of frenzied excitement prevailed on shore, those on board the Hawea were undergoing a thrilling expereince. All went well till the vessel touched the bottom ; then mishap after mishap followed iv such quick succession as to render the best seamauship unavailing. When once the steamer struck, the crew were for over half an hour in imminent danger of being swept overboard. Providentially, wheu the situation looked very ugly the sea begau to go down. This thirty minutes was indeed one of terrible suspense to everybody on board the ill-fated vessel. Meanwhile the local harbour staff had not beeti inactive. All the members speedily assembled, and the rocket apparatus and all necessary gear were got into a lifeboat, which proceeded across the Cobdeu, whence the party went to the Tip Head. Shortly after their arrival a well-directed rocket was sent ashore from the Hawea. The shot was an excellent one, and carried for the full distance of 1200 ft, landing right across the southern breakwater. This. however, soon gave way, and attention was solely devoted to establishing communication with the northern side. This was achieved by about 8.15 p.m. The boatswain was the first ashore, the last man, Captain Burgess, coming across about 4.15 p.m., to the tumultous cheers of the huge crowd tnat had assembled. The Hawea is commanded by Captain Burgess, wno has traded to Greymouth ou numerous* occasions, and only lately relieved Captain Reid. Salvage operations will be proceeded with vigorously, provided the weather is fine.