SHIPPING ACCIDENT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12752, 24 April 1909, Page 5

SHIPPING ACCIDENT.

Qertle Strikes the Rakaia

Considerable Damage Done

'Per United Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, April 23. Last night, at about 10.30, the small coastal steamer Gertie, of about 250 tons, arrived from Foxton, and was endeavouring to come alongside a berth at Waterloo Quay. The wind was sweeping with terrific force from the direction of Pipitea Point, and over the harbour. The Gertie had got between the Railway and Glasgow wharves, and was about 50 yards from the quay and just about parallel with.it, when some furious gusts slewed her bows outwards. In swinging round she struck the Rakaia, which is moored on the inner side of the Glasgow wharf. One of the Rakaia's plates on the port side, about eight feet from the waterline and in line with the foremast, was stove' in, while a piece of the Gertie's port anchor (patent) was broken off. v

To-day Cable and Co. were engaged effecting temporary repairs to the Rakaia, and the vessel's departure has been postponed from Sunday till Monday. The damage will necessitate the removal of the insulation in the forehold, and the plate will have to be renewed on arrival at London.