STEAMER GROUNDS OFF SINCLAIR HEAD

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 87, 5 January 1918, Page 7

STEAMER GROUNDS OFF SINCLAIR HEAD

SLIGHT MISHAP TO NGAKERE.

While on her way from Greymouth to Wellington on. Saturday nigh't last, the Ngahere grouiided slightly in a fog off Sinclair Head. The vessel is not leaking,- and no serious damage has.resulted. Clear weather was experienced, by the Ngahere until she neared Wellington when she ran into a dense -fog-ban's. Captain Pillner and his two '. officer, went on the bridge, and the vessel proceeded "dead-slow."' In'endeavouring' to pick up the Pencarrow light, the three .officers saw a light, and, believing it to be Pencarrow, headed accordingly.. In a. short while rocks were observed- ahead, and were recognised as Sinclair Head. "Full speed astern" was immediately ordered, and it was while hacking out that the port side of the vessel touched a' rock aft. It ■was found, however, that'she was not leaking, and she made port without fur-ther-incident. An examination of the Ngahere's hull was made yesterday by. a diver, who found that she was noi damaged. Oil Monday the tanks of _tht' ,vessel will be opened, and an examination- made inside. The opinion is. expressed that if there had been an occulting light at Pencarrow the mishap : would-not have'occurred. It is urged that fixed lights are now obsolete, ana should be converted.