THE WRECK AT BLUFF.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1860, 20 September 1913, Page 8

THE WRECK AT BLUFF.

OKTA FULL OP WATER,

THE BARQUE TO BE AUCTIONED. (By Tolefraph.—Preei Association.) ' invoroargill, September 19. The thirty-six hours which have elapsed since the ill-fated Norwegian barque Okta struck the rocks at Stirling Point, at the entrance to Bluff Harbour, havo not brought any material alteration in regard to her position. To-day she was still hard and fast on Pelhain Rock, and, from external appearance, the forecast that sho has found lier last resting-place is correct. The barque has not shifted to any extent. At low water she is plainly visible, and, with the tide on the full, her decks are awash to a greater extent than after striking. Holds Full of Water. At 9.30 to-day a boat's party went' out from the wharf and drew alongside, with the object of procuring whatever was movable. The provisions with which the barque was well stored were of a primary nature. The holds were found to be full of water, and, With this disadvantage, it was almost impossible to operate upon them to any great extent. , /

Shortly after the barque struck'' tho rocß on Thursday the life-boat' on the port side was launched, and eventually brought ashore. To-day tho starboard lifeboat and the captain's gig were taken from their fastenings,- and launched with five barrels of meat. Some canvas coverings and rope, and a quantity of preserved stores were recovered. Some of the members of tile, crew were fortunate in getting portion'. of their personal effects, but. the damago to them was fairly heavy in most cases. Tho Okta had over 600,000 ft.' of lumber on board from Port Hnon to Falmouth.

The barque and her oargo will be submitted to auction on Tuesday. Offer of Relief. _Mr. M. E. Wiig, Vice-Consul for Norway, has received' a telegram from the secretary of tho Dunedin Shipwrecked. Relief Society offering assistance to tho crow of tho Okta. Mr. Wiig replied thanking the society for its offer, but pointed out that the men were now in comfortable circumstances, and it was trusted that (although recognising the willingness to render aid) those directly responsible for tho comfort of the Okta's crew would bo able to make satisfactory provision for tho men's comfort until,they wero dispatched to their respective ports of destination. Mr. Wiig anticipates that it will be possible for Jiim to complete arrangements so that the men can leave the Bluff on Monday. :

No Inquiry Hero,

No inquiry will be heldi in New Zealand into the circumstances surrounding the wreck, as it is understood that, under the maritime laws of- Norway, inquiries into the stranding of Norwegian vessels on foreign shores, must bo heard in Norway. Mr. Wiig further reports that he may probably take formal evidence from members of tho (Vow at the Bluff on Saturday, but it will require to be forwarded to tho olda's home' port before official decision is arrived at.