Wreck of the Tasman

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1921, Page 4

Wreck of the Tasman

ADDITIONAL DETAILS. WHAKATANE, May 13 The wrecked steamer Tasman was going dead slow, says the captain, when a big bump was felt. The ship sheered off and an attempt was made to reach the mainland. The water rose so fast that it was necessary to abandon the ship. The passengers felt the bump and heave, but thought it was only an extra big wave, but were thrown into a state of excitement by the order to come on deck. They picked up what belongings they could and rushed up. When the order was given to man the boats, everything worked smoothly. The women behaved well. The boats were launched without mishap. The passengers were forbidden to take any luggage.

The ship struck the eastern end of the Rauriniu reef, between which and Whale Island is a five-mile passage ILK) feet deep. The steamer headed for the mainland. At the back of the reef was a small bay, which, if the captain had known of it, might have been utilised to beach the ship. The- ship is now sunk half-way between the reef and the mainland in about 100 feet of water. Twenty-four minutes elapsed from the striking of the vessel to its sinking. She apparently struck head-on, against the submerged side of the reef and sheered off. The passengers and crew are very appreciative of the efforts of the Public Works employees to help to make a landing, and for supplying a special train to take them to Matamata, where everything was done for their comfort and supply of clothes. As the boats cleared the steamer, the escaping steam from the safety-valves created a great noise. The ship plunged head down, disappearing from view.