The Stranding of the Elginshire

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 109, 12 March 1892, Page 2

The Stranding of the Elginshire

[ PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. | Timaru, March 10. This afternoon the tugs Mana and Koputai were attached, but the lines carried away. The Mana has returned to port for new lines, and another attempt will be made on to-night's tide at 1.20 a.m. Nothing has been done with the cargo which will be transferred to surf boats. The ship is stated to be making water as fast as the pumps can clear it. The pumps are continually going. The best explanation of her position on the reef is that going along the coast she struck bow on, and the momentum carried the stern round, and lifted it two or three feet upon the reef. The vessel is not yet abandoned to the underwriters, Captain Miller still hoping she will be got off, but local experts are of opinion that she cannot be got off, even if lightened. Two hundred bales of wool have arrived from the Elginshire in surf boats. She has some 400 bales of Queensland wool, 200 bales of Oamaru, 160 casks of pelts, and some preserved meat, all to be landed by or before midnight, and then another pull will be tried. March 11. Two tugs pulled at the Elginshire for two hours at last night's tide, but made no impression. The lines were again carried away. This morning four surf boats were taken down to fetch up the wool. The weather is fine with a moderate swell. The captain still holds for the owners. Mr Mill sounded all round the ship, and found rocks all round in irregular fashion. He has had great experience in wrecks, and declares that the Elginshire will never be got off. She is very strong and may hold together a long time. A survey will probably be made tomorrow. Sydney, March 11. The meat on board the Elginshire is insured for £18,000 in London.