STRANDING OF THE ARAPAWA

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 12, 9 October 1919, Page 4

STRANDING OF THE ARAPAWA

NAUTICAL INQUIRY. By Telegraph-Press Association. Auckland, October 8. A nautical inquiry into tlio stranding of the coastal steamer Aiapawa on the AVaitaru bar on August 3 was opened today. The vessel ran aground while coming out over the bar, and was materially damaged. No lives were lost. Captain Keitlay said the vessel was barely dear of the north wall of the mole when her keel struck. The bumping continued as the vessel worked out towards the bar, and soon she. failed to answer her helm. When about half-way to the bar she stopped dead. Witness reversed the engines, and she .pulled off about three lengths from the mole, when she stuck £a?t. Had the water been smooth tho vessel would not have run aground. She was refloated about three weeks afterwards. Witness had crossed ■ the bar in worse weather. Tho rough weather which intervened between hin arrival and departure must have sif.ted up the channel. John AVKliam La.in*. pilot at Waitara, said he had known the bar silt up in one night's bad weather. The Court decided that the taking of further evidence wns unnecessary. The finding will be given to-morrow.