HOW THE VESSEL STRUCK

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17472, 5 June 1922, Page 7

HOW THE VESSEL STRUCK

A NIGHT OF ANGUISH. SHIP'S PAPERS LOST. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, June 8. Rescued men said that Captain Hayward was on the bridge when the 1 vessel struck. There was no eight of the eun for two days. Wednesday night was eo thick that the mast light was * invisible from the - bridge. Most of the crew were asleep. * The look-out, in the crow's nest, reported that he could not see anything. Suddenly he shouted "Breakers ahead," and eounded the ship's alarm. The. ship, running at half-speed, slid up on the reef, and listed 30 degrees to starboard. Luckily she struck the reef; otherwise she would have been dashed against the sheer cliff, and would have slid back into deep water. As soon as the crash came the men rushed up on deck, and lined up at their boat stations. An attempt was made to launch the lee boat, but it was smashed by the force of the sea. There was no opportunity of knowing the chances of rescue. All stood there all night, ready for any emergency. On Thursday morning the JLatoa's party arrived, but it was seen that the work of rescue would be slow. The hold forward of the bridge was empty, and consequently was so weak that tno weight ot the stern, swung by the e£as, caused a break in the vessel. Tbe captain, officers and wireless operators were on the bridge when tlie vessel broke in half witti a rending noise. They jumped for safety or slid down ropes as the stern settled down, tearing clean apart. All food and water went with the stern. Grave Uncertainty. The stern movpd across the forward part, until it allowed the sea to wash directly into the hold and flood the freezing chamber. It was impossible to release the compressed ammonia, and danger of an explosion was feared. Meanwhile one biscuit was served to each man. All day bleak winds swept the wreck, and tnere was grave uncertainty. Parties, at great risk, explored below, but, hearing the plates tearing, ana the decks buckling, found it too dangerous.

HOW THE CAPTAIN HANDLED THE SITUATION. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, June 8. All hands speak highly of the manner in which Captain Hayward dealt with the awkward situation of the last few days. How the vessel got out of her course was a mystery to nim. She failed to pick up Cuvier Light, and slowed to approximately half-speed 20 minutes before she struck.

MR MASSEY'S TRIBUTE. (press association TELEGRAM.) DUNEDIN, June 8. The Prime Minister expressed to a reporter great appreciation of the rescue of the Wiltshire's officers and crew. He said: "While we all regret the loss of a fine steamer, I desire to express on behalf of the Government, my very warm appreciation of the splendid efforts of all engaged in the gallant work of rescuing the ship's company under most difficult and dangerous conditions. The strenuous work connected with the rescue was just what we might have expected from British sailors and the hardy settlers of the island."