STEAMER’S MISHAP

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1928, Page 1

STEAMER’S MISHAP

ON MAN UK All BA R. (By Telegraph—Press Association). AUCKLAND, October 2d. When crossing Mnnukau bar.about nine o’clock tin’s morning, the Northern Coy’s small steamer “ Arapawa ” bound from Wanganui to Onehunga met with a severe mishap. A holt in the piston crank broke, as the Jesuit of the screw racing out of the water, and the piston*, which continued working. smashed the cylinder to pieces and hurled jagged pieces oil steel in all directions in the engine-room.

Second Engineer H. Budge and fiveman C. Lnmden, who were working there, miraculously escaped injury. The vessel’s two anchors were put out. and signals for assistance were sent to Manukau Meads.

Repair work was impossible, owing to the flooding of the engine room. For six hours the vessel held on to her anchors on the edge of treacherous sands, her decks lashed by tremendous breakers.

The small steamer “Alexander” was despatched Irom Onehunga, and lowed the Arapawa in safely, arriving at the wharf at (Lio to-night. Interviewed the officers said there was nothing to indicate the crossing of the liar would he unduly difficult, and signalled- confirmation was given from the Heads. 4he vessel went through the first set of breakers without trouble, though the screw raced badly when the stern rose out of the water. The engines began to race again when the vessel went over Hie next lot of breakers, and then uhen the screw ploughed into the water again, the smash came.