THE ROYAL TAR WRECKED.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 27 November 1901, Page 3

THE ROYAL TAR WRECKED.

Full Particular's.

(per press association)

Auckland, Nov 26.

Captain Morrison, of the wrecked barque Royal Tar, states that the vessel left Auckland for Kaipara in ballast at 7 yesterday. There was a light breezo between east and south. Instead of following the usual passage between Tiritiri and the mainland he went outside that island in order to save beating to windward; At midnight the vessel was put on a N N E course, running before a light, fair wind. It was the second officer's watch at 1 30 a. m. the vessel, which was travelling at the rate of four or iive knots an hour, struck an unknown rock, which proved to Rock V. miles north of Tiritiri. The officers were aware of tho existence of this rock, and expected that the course set at midnight would carry the vessel well clear of it. The captain attributes the mishap to the influence of very strong tides. The vessel at once began to fill and se'itle. Two boats were launched—a lifeboat and a dinghy. Mrs Morrison | and most of the crew put off in the two boa'r. The captain, mate and two seamen remained on board twenty minutes aftar the vessel striking. The hold was full of water, and the cabin, which was on deck, began to fill. The captain and one man had to jump overboard into the water, and were taken into the remaining boat, the painter of which the crew were obliged to cut to avoid being drawn down by the sinking barque. Juit before the barque sank the mate (Kirby) went into the cabin to get some of liis effects, but before he could return the vessel listed and sank. The inrush of water forced her off, and the roof of the vessel sank till the topgallantmast only was visible. The crew waited till daylight, when the steamer Ngunguru arrived, and the whole of the crew afterwards embarked on the Admiral, and were conveyed to Auckland.