WRECK OF A SCHOONER

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2086, 22 May 1907, Page 3

WRECK OF A SCHOONER

CHEW’S PERILOUS TIME

Press Association

WELLINGTON, yesterday. The crow of the Emma Sims had a difficult time in getting ashore. On Saturday morning at 0.30, whilo it was yet dark and misty, ono man, Munro, endeavored to go ashore. A lifebelt was put around him, and a couple of lines wore fixed so that ho could be pulled back when in distress. He wont over tlio sido, and immediately disappeared. Then a voiso was hoard, "For Clod’s sake haul mo in,” and his matos dragged him book to tho vessel. After a rest Munro determined to make, another attempt, though he was strongly counselled to remain on tho schooner for a timo.

Ho fought his way to hard ground

and after half an hour’s rest ho was able to assist his mates to land. A line was got ashore, and Munro made it fast round a rock, thus enabling the other throe snilors to croop to safety. Tho captain, however, stuck to his ship for many hours alone. Huge seas were breaking over tho vessel, but ho would not budge whih a ray of hope remained. In tho end, too, ho was forced to join his creSv on tho dreary island, whore they had to shiver in thoir sodden clothes till the s.s. Hinemoa came to the roscuo.

Captain McDonald lays some of tho blnmo on tho Government regulations for tho present plight of the Emma Sims. As an auxiliary oil engine is installed, tho vessel is required to carry a certificated mate, if it is desired to supplement sails with mechanical power. Tho master was detained in Wellington for ten days try ing to get a certificated man, but none would come for tho salary which ho considered good, £l2 a month. One man did appear, but vanished when he heard that the vessel was mainly worked by sail. Beforo the vessel left port that time a Government officer sealed down tho works, and later on the captain shipped the idle propeller, for it was serving only the purpose of catching weeds. This regulation, and tho belief that tho starboard cable snapped, aro held responsible by the master for tho striking of the vessel. The master gives all possible praise to his men. He says that they behaved splendidly throughout a trying voyage and in the final crisis. Tho lifeboat of the Emma Sims was stove in by great rollers. Captain Bollons, of the Hinemoa, which went to the rescue of tho Emma Sims, says the vessel is in a hopeless position. She is ashore on a rocky bottom, broadside on to the south-eastern side of the island. Tho Hinemoa loft Wellington for the scene of the wreck at 11.30 last night, and arrived off the island at four o’clock this morning. After locating the schooner a boat was sent ashore, and the captain of the sailer, two soamen and a boy, who constituted the crew, were taken on board the Hinemoa without difficulty. Since their vessel had been ashore the wrecked mariners had been made comfortable on the island. The captain and crew lost practically the whole of their personal effects.

Captain Bollons examined the wreck, and found her bottom in a very bad way. He considered there would be no possible chance of doing anything with her, but a number of things, including gear, could be saved if prompt action was taken. A heavy sea was running at the island, and the vessel was considerably at low tide. In two or three tides he does not think there would be much left of her. None of the crew suffered from the experience, but the captain’s old complaint of ague was somewhat aggravated. a