S.S. AORERE IN TROUBLE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1527, 24 August 1912, Page 4

S.S. AORERE IN TROUBLE.

ON THE PATEA BAR. Quito unexpectedly tho small coastal 1 steamer Aorore. arrived back at Wellington from Fa-tea at 10 p.m. yesterday. The little vessel sailed for Patea at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, and missed the morning tide at that port. From inquiries mado on- board it was found that the Aorere had been subjected to a pretty rough handling whilst she was endeavouring to cross the Patea Bar at 5 p.m. on Thursday. It is stated that Captain Frisk, her master, received signals to "take the bat," and put his vessel's head towards the river entrance. As soon as the Aorere got into tho channel ehe stuck hard and fast, and remained there for about half an hour. There was a considerable eouthwesterly roll at the time, nnd tho seae swept tho littlo "hooker" fore and aft, flooding tho cabin and engine-room. The after-rail and bulwarks wero carried away, also several dock fittings. At length, however, Captain Frisk was enabled to get bis eliip off, and she was washed out to tho open sea. again. It was certainly a near thing, and the Aorere was consider, ed kcky in getting off so lightly. Tho occurrence is attributed to there being very poor tides at the port 'Of Patea, in consequence of which there was very little water on tho bar. It is said that at high tide on the evening in question, there wns only 7ft. 2in. of water ou the bar.

The extent of the damage wae not quite known Inst evening, but it has been, ascertained that tho Aorere is etralned in, the after-part. She was not leaking, but will have to be placed on; tho slip for re. caulking.