ACCIDENT TO THE ROTORUA.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10523, 20 December 1901, Page 1

ACCIDENT TO THE ROTORUA.

Asnoiw In th« Frenoh Pass to*

a Time.

(Per United Press Association.) ' ' NELSON, December 18The -steamer Botorua, while on the way from Picton to Nelson this morning, had a narrow escape, and was actually ashore at the 'French Pass for some time. .Fortunately, she escaped serious injury, and arrived late this afternoon, but has only just entered the harbour. -. The story of a passenger, who" came ashore in s boat, is that all "went as usual till the French Pass was entered. The passengers were then alarmed at seeing- that the steamer was standingfor the reef instead of taking the direct .passage. It soon transpired that ,' the steering geer had given way at a'criti-' cal tinr*. The engines were put 'full speed astern, but the flood, tide carried the steamer on towards .the reef, and every effort was unavailing to prevent her going ashore. As she took the smooth, water-worn ioclu she heeled over so considerably as to cause further ' fears that she would go completely { over, but everything was done that good seamanship could dictate, and' the spare steering gear was got ready. With the rise of the tide the vessel came off, and it was stated that she was making no water. Some work is being done on board, but so far as is at present known the vessel will leave port again at 12 to-night". WELLINGTON, December 19. On arrival of the Botorua to-day from Nelson, her -bottom was examined by a diver. He found the, vessel had suffered* no damage from contact with the' i rocks at the French Pass. The steamer resumed her running in the Cook's Strait service again to-night.