Shipping News A day to remember shipping tragedies

Press, 24 April 1979, Page 33

Shipping News A day to remember shipping tragedies

Anzac Day tomorrow will revive many memories. Those connected with shipping will recall the early toll off New Zealand shores almost from tlie start of the Second World War.

The Niagara was an early victim on June 19, 1940, on her way from Auckland to Vancouver. Not far from Auckland she struck a mine and sank. No lives were lost but 295 boxes of gold ingots valued then at £2,500,000 went down with her.

Later that same year the New Zealand Shipping Company vessel Turaklna ran into gunfire and torpedoes in the Tasman Sea on her way from Sydney to Wellington, via Auckland. The action occurred off the east coast of the North Island, and the German raider Orion made the interception. The Turakina's captain and 33 crew were lost.

The Orion also laid the mines which sank the Niagara. She also destroyed many other ships.

Closer to Lyttelton, the Holm and Company vessel Holmwood was captured by the Orion and another raider, Komet. on a voyage from the Chatham Islands to Lyttelton on November 25, 1940. The raiders approached from dicerent directions and one shot across the Holmwood’s bows indicated their intention. The ship hove to and there were no casualties among the 12 passengers, including four women and five children, and 17 crew members.

The two German ships and another raider, the Kulmerland, immediately left the scene and sank the Rangitane off East Cape on her way to England with dairy produce, frozen meat, and wool.

Five of the Rangitane’s ill passengers were killed, including three women. Five crew members, including three stewardesses, were also killed All others were taken on board the German raiders and the Rangitane was then sunk. The naval loss closest to New Zealand shores also occurred in the early stages of the war, on May 14, 194 t, when the H.M.N.Z.S. Puriri struck a mine in the Hauraki Gulf while on mine-sweeping duties.

Five of the ship s crew were killed or drowned and three seamen suffered serious injuries. Five officers and 19 ratings were rescued after the incident. Before being taken over by the Navy, the Puriri was owned by the Anchor Shipping Company at Nelson. ARRIVALS

Sevillan Keefer (6.17 am.), 3163, Auckland 'Scales*

Coastal Trader (2 p.mi, 2500, Auckland, Capt. R. Jacksou (S.C.N.Z.). DEPARTURES Coastal Trader <7 p.m ), 2500, Dunedin (S.C.N.Z.). EXPECTED ARRIVALS Union Lyttelton, Dunedin, today, Measiniaki Algli, Babrain, today Coastal Trader, Dunedin, April 25. Wellington Star, Suva, April 23. Marian Buczek, Wellington, April 25. Anco Endeavour, from sea, April 25. Flinders Bay, Wellington, April 25. Nedlloyd Franklin, from sea, April 26. PROJECTED DEPARTURES Union Lyttelton, Wellington, tta day. Hanka Sawlcka, Tauranga, to. day. Seviilan Reefer, Nelson, today Coastal Trader, Auckland, April 25 Meaalnlaki Aigll, for aea. April 25. Wellington Star, Wellington, April 25. Flinders Bay, for aea, April 26. Ngapara, Bluff, April 27. VESSELS IM PORT Hanka Sawlcka, Cashin Quay No, 2. Holmdale. No. 3 East. Seviilan Reefer, No. 3 West. Ngapara, No. 4 West. Asakaze Maru, No. 7 West.