Steamship Collision

Feilding Star, Volume XI, Issue 73, 10 December 1889, Page 2

Steamship Collision

I.PEB UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION, [

C'HRisTCBtTKCH, December 7

The Rotorua, bound for Lyttelton, and the-s.s. Orowaiti, for Westport, collided in a thick fog, off Eaikoura, at a quarter to 3 thi9 morning. Neither vessel was seriously injured. The Rotorpa left Wellington at 6 o'clock last night, the fog horns going till night. Captain Neyille, who was on the bridge;, saw a light just in front, and-heard a fog-horn. He instantly slowed the engines, and he was almost at a standstill when the collision occurred. Several passengers rushed on deck, and for a time there was some excitement. In fifteen minutes it was found there was no occasion for alarm, but the boats were goi out, and all preparations made for saving life. The vessels remained by one another for an hour. The Botorua's bows were cut down from the decking to. near the water-line for 13ft through four plates, Some of the seamen were shaken out of their berths, bnt not injured. The Rotorua goes to Dunedin on Monday to bo docked. The Rotorua's injuries are on' the starboard bow. The Orowaitf's port bow is more seriously injured. She was in light trim, and all her injuries are well above the water-line. On the port side the rent is away from the deck to four or five feet from the bow. ° The wheel plates and beams are. started for about 12ft, and the foremast is carriedaway.