Accident to the Rotomahana.

Feilding Star, Volume IV, Issue 25, 4 August 1883, Page 3

Accident to the Rotomahana.

LATER PARTICULARS. [PEB UNITED PBESS ASSOCIATION ] Bluff, Tbis l-ay. A survey held on the Rotomahana shows uo perceptible damage excepting the propeller brokt'n. The accident happened at a quarter to four. The vessel was then supposed to be entering the middle of the Fovphux Straits, about 4 miles clear of the land, and steering a course to clear Wai papa when the vessel struck. The second mate was in charge on tne bridge, and Captain i arey was below. The night was clear, but a haze was over the land. She struck about a mile and a half eff the land, and remained there an hour, bumping lightly. The engines were put fall speed astern without moving her. A heavy swell rolled in and made her bump once very heavily. A second swell lifted her off the rocks, und she steamed clear. The boats were all got ready, and life belts served .mi to the crew and passengers. Steerage passengers complained there were no life belts in the steerage, and several had to go down to the saloon and take out saloon berths. Complete order was obtained on board, and Oapt. Carey was quite master of the situation, ordering everything to be done without the least confusion. Ssa was quite rough with a heavy swell but no break. The southerly swell throughout the night anl the strong spring flood tide, it is surmised, set her further in shore than was expected.