THE PORT ELLIOTT.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1924, Page 1

THE PORT ELLIOTT.

how sn!■: stiutk. [I!Y TKLKGUAfIt —I’KIl I'IIESS ASSOCIATION.] (iISBOIWVK. .I:m. 19. .Mr Fiirucaux, tin* wireless oHi cor on tlie Pori Elliott. stales that, lie was on watch at the time the vessel struck. The night, was dark with a thick foe. The vessel was travelling a lion t thirteen knots, and without warning, went over the reef. It seemed just to slide over (Tie reef and pull up. There was absolutely no panic, and not the slightest disorganisation. The fog was particularly impenetrable. the only thing seen being a fire on shore, which through the fiasco, seemed a great distance away. hull speed astern was given for about ten minutes without altering the vessel’s position. Alter about an hour the steamer commenced to go down by the head. The boats were launched, and the crew rowed to sea lor some distance, waiting for daylight. 'I he engine room was flooded and is a total wreck. The engines are now resting on (he reef and every time the vessel moves the engines remain statioiiait. Mr Furuoaux stated that no S.O.S. messages were sent, there being little or no cause for anxiety, hut about ten minutes after running ashore a message was despatched to Auckland staling what had occurred.