FLORA IN DISTRESS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1925, Page 3

FLORA IN DISTRESS

ENGINES BREAK DOWN. CALF AND IIICH SEAS. [nr telegraph—pica minus association WELLINGTON. June 25. The Secretary of the Post and Telegraph OHice early this morning received an S.O.S. message from the .steamer Flora, (ken four miles west of Cuvier Light, stating: “Engines broken down, hard northerly gale, high seas, drifting live miles per hour. May he aide to proceed in hall an I.tiur." ASS,K'| \>, 1 E SENT. AUCKLAND. June 25. The second message received front Hie Flora, stated the engines were going again for live minuter and then stopped. The tug Te Av.'iiliiua left lo render assistance at 3 11.111. A 1 2.!:) a.in. Ihe Flora reported her engines going slow, she endeavouring lo weather Cape Colville. The Flora lias one passenger and is commanded by (Tij:-t. Gray. From wireless information it igathered the vessel’s engines had failed to continue miming normally since they were rest at ted after Ihe first breakdown, and had stepped twice. The Flora had Im m d round in order to ret lint to port. The only VI 1 auyu li uv near the Flora was the Xgapuhi. which leit for T’aiirangit lea night. However, the Flora was in the nor! It ol Mercury Island whereas (he Ngagithi works the in-ide passage and would thei'efore lie not aware of the Flora's predii tnieitl. The Xgapuhi eanie- a -mall wire less outfit. but doe-, not maintain a regular wifeless watch for the receipt of tiio.—ng'os. It would inly h ■ by chance that -he w.-uild pick up any distress signals. The speed el t'a Te \wahina tween -even and eight knot- per hour, s 1 tittles- Ihe Fit m t- able (o 1 one in to meet In r. ii will probably he noon before the lug is able to pick her up.

IIINNING FOR SHELTER. I'NDEH OWN STEAM. AI'CKr.AND. June 25. The Flora reported at 7.-1 a.m. that she was running for shelter to Red .Mercury before a strong north-east gale under her mu steam. The Flora was then about (ill miles from port, seventeen miles from Red Mercury, the largest ot the Mercury group. The steamer Kamoim left port to render assistance at 6.311 this morning. The To Auahina didn’t get. away till ■1:30. With her greater speed. the Kamona will probamy roach Inc flora til's!. AUCKLAND. June 25 Tlic Flora reported at 10.30 this morning Hint she expects to anchor :n half an hour off Great Alomirv. No sign of the tug Awalmu in attendance. flora reaches shelter AUCKLAND, June 25. The Flora wirelessed at. 11.28 that she anchored at West Hay, Groat Mercury and hoped to have repairs effected hy 4 p-.ni. and then proceed to Auckland at half speed. There is a hard gale, tlie weather being very heavy.