THE TAVIUNI MISHAP.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2175, 27 April 1908, Page 2

THE TAVIUNI MISHAP.

STRANDED HARD AND FAST, PREPARATIONS FOR REFLOATING. Press WESTPORT, April 25. The Taviuni, stranded on the beach near Westport breakwater, has shifted her position, being now about 700 yards distant from the breakwater, and with her stern pointing northeastward. Attempts made to get out cables and anchors to hold her have failed. A preliminary inquiry was held by the Collector of Customs yesterday. The evidence was not available for the press. It is. understood the captain attributed tho mishap to failure to pick up the leading red light at the breakwater, the weather being somewhat squally at the time. _ -l - A party of seamen working under Captain Drcwetto, master of the Komata, succeeded to-day in getting an anchor out from the Taviuni to hold her in her present position, pending operations to refloat the vessel. The Penguin arrived this afternoon with all gear for 6uch operations. Mr. Dauials, who is in charge of the floating work, visited the scene of the stranding this afternoon, and is preparing his plans.

• WELLINGTON, April 25. The Union Company despatched tho Penguin at 6 last evening for the scene of the mishap to the Taviuni. Mr, Danials, foreman of the company’s repairing department, was a passenger. The Penguin takes tho pumping machinery and gear necessary for carrying out the salvage operations. Tho tug Terawhiti will not lie sent. The company has been advised that the engiuo room of the Taviuni is flooded.

GREYMOUTH, April 25. Local merchants report tuat' they lose heavily by the stranding of tho Taviuni at West-port, as over 400 tons of general cargo was aboard foT this port, uninsured.

Press Association. AVESTPORT, April 26. A heavy anchor and cable was laid to-day to keep the vessel in her present position. ' The water is too high on board to allow of steam being got up, but Mr. Dauials anticipates getting a donkey engine aboard to-morrow and pump mg out tho water. As far as can bo at present ascertained, the water has got in through the ports. There does not appear to be other damage, and tlie chances of floating aro considereu favorable.