EXOTTING EXPERIENCES.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 294, 19 December 1901, Page 2

EXOTTING EXPERIENCES.

S.S. KOTORUA DRIFTS ASHORE IX THE FRENCH PASS.

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE,

15v Telegraph—Press / soeiatiou

m , No’ last night. a. lie steamer ILotorup f \- • wav from Pie[,mi to Xelsoa tir .or',!-, had a i!arrow escape, and v ... u hlv ashore at I- reneh Pass for s .„ u , t; ,, ’., u t fortunately escaped senoul i»»; V) ;1 q arrived off Boulder Bank lat- this afternoon. She has only just entered the harbor. The story of passengers who came ashore in tne waterman’s boat is that ail went as usual till the French Pass was entered, when the passengers were alarmed on seeing tiiat the steamer was standing for the reef instead of taking the direct passage. It soon transpired that the steering gear had given way at a critical time. The engines were put full steam astern, but the flood tide carried the ship on towards the reef, and every effort was unavailing to prevent her going ashore. As she took the smooth water-worn rocks she heeled over so considerably as to cause further fears that she would go completely over, but everything was done that good seamanship eouid dictate, and the spare steeriug gear was got ready. With the rise of the tide the vessel came off, and it was stated that she was making no water. The ship came on to port here, and it was generally considered that she had merely lost the tide. Borne work is being done on board. So far as is at present known (II pan) the vessel will leave port again at twelve to-night.