THE JANE WRECK.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 September 1917, Page 3

THE JANE WRECK.

REPORT BY CAPTAIN VASTA Captain Vasta and the crew of the auxiliary ketch Jane, which is a total loss on the bar at Okuru, arrived overland yesterday. The following is Captain Vagta’s report of the voyage of the Jane, in which the vessel was lost: Aug. 20th, left Hokitika' at 11 a.in., with 124 tons cargo and 1200 feet of timber for Bruce Bay; wind light castAt 8 p.m. stopped engines, the wind being fair, and arrived under sail off Bruce Bay. Anchored in Bay at G. 30 u.m. on *2lst, wind light northerly. Landed all timber, except three pieces. The wind freshening and sea increasing, at 11 a.m. started engine and proceeded for Jacksons Bay for Shelter At 4.30 p.m. anchored at Open Bay Island. Proceeded to Jacksons Bay and arrived there nt 1 p.m. on the 22nd. On 23rd, at 3 a.m., the wind changed to S.W., and freshened to gale. At 8.30 a.m. loft Jacksons Bay under sail and anchored at IJruco Bay at 5 p.m. On the 24th at 10 a.m. assistance arrived on shore and started landing cargo. At 6.30 p.m., the sea had increased, find darkness prevented furth-er-work. having 14 tons of cargo still to land. The sea increased steadily during the night-. At 6 a.m. on the 2otli. the wind changed to northerly, light. At 7.30 a.m. got under way to proceed to . Jacksons Bay again for shelter, flic , pea was considerable and confused. ) At 3 p.m. the wind suddenly changed to R.W., strong. The vessel was then passing Okuru. Shore signals were given to take the har. The entrance looked well from seaward, the beacons showing a straight i ilead in.

! Mfido for the bar. and stuck at 3.30 i p.ni. in 1 foot of water, with the boa- j ; cons in lino. At 5 p.m. stopped the j j engines, the vessel being immovable. ! \ Low tide showed four channels, and that the channel attempted was under 30 feet wide. Got out anchor and chains, and afterwards got wire ropes from Nolan’s mill and made every effort to get vessel off, until Ist September, when he decided to save the engines and gear, as the ship was badly strained.