THE PORT ELLIOT.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15895, 21 January 1924, Page 5

THE PORT ELLIOT.

SALVAGE OPERATIONS By Telegraph—Press Association. GI3BORNE, Saturday. Work at the stranded Port Elliot is proceeding satisfactorily and all the dry cargo including motor-oars, typewriters, and tractors has been removed. The remainder ot the cargo, including 4000 cases of benzine, and 50 motor-cars, is under water. A diver may be employed. A visit to the wreck shows the effect of the tremendods impact when tKo vessel struck. The bottom of the hull was badly bent, and the engines arc sariorsly damaged, and are now practically reslins on the bed of the sea.

WIRELESS OFFICER'S ACCOUNT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. GISBORNE, 1 Saturday. Mr Furneaux, wireless operator on the Port Elliot, states that he was on watch at the time the vessel struck. The night was pitch dark, with a thick fog. The vessel was travelling about thirteen knots, and without warning went over a reef. It seemed just to slide over the reef and pull up. There was absolutely no panic, and not the slightest disorder. The fog was particularly impenetrable, the only thing to be seen being a Are on shore, which through the haze seemed a great distance away. Full speed astern was given for about ten minutes without altering the vessel's position. After about an hour the steamer commenced to go down at the- head. Boats were launched, and the crew rowed to sea for some distance-wailing for daylight. The engine-room was Hooded, and is a total wreck. The engines are now resting on the reef, and every time the vessel moves the engines remain stationary. Mr Furneaux stated that no S.O.S. me'ssages were sent, there being little or no cause for anxiety, but about ten minutes after running ashore a mes'sage was despatched to Auckland stating what had occurred.