Steamer Hits Bridge

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1921, Page 3

Steamer Hits Bridge

A WANGANUI SENSATION, [ill TKI.KGB APH —PER PBESS ASSOCIATION'! WANGANUI, July tl. The steamer Huia, from Wellington, luid an exciting experience last night, colliding with the town bridge. A berth at the top end of the wharf was assigned to tlu* vessel, not a great distance from the bridge. The vessel was approaching the berth when it is stated the engines jammed on the centre, rendering the vessel powerless, and continuing her onward way the Huia cut between the Togo and Museote. the Harbour Board tug, lying abreast at the top end of the wharf without damaging either, and crashed how on into the bridge. The foremast snapped about a foot from the deck and the wheel house where Cnpt. Campbell and n seaman were stationed, was just cleared. The bridge cut the compass binoele on top of the house out flush with the roof and the funnel was bent to a considerable angle, hut stopped the vessel’s progress, the how resting on a pontoon on the other side of the bridge. By strenuous efforts the steamer was extricat'd from its unenviable position and was moored safely at the wharf. One of the drifting launches of the Togo was made fast just in time to prevent it colliding with the bridge. The other went ashore on the opposite side of the river and was easily refloated.