STRANDED KAHIKI

Hokitika Guardian, 24 October 1929, Page 5

STRANDED KAHIKI

FURTHER PARTICULARS. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)^ GISBORNE, October 24. Between 4 and 5 o’clock this morning one of the wildest gales experienced at Gisborne for some time rose suddenly from the south and swept the roadstead, howling squalls ripping up hefivy sea in short time and trapping "the cargo steamer 'Kahiki lying in the roadstead. The vessel was under steam and an effort was made to get her out to sea, but the iforce: of «the gale proved too great and so far from making any headway against the wind, was forced hack until she was eventually thrown on Waikanae Beach near the town. The steamer struck the sand sand first head on, and then swung round almost broadside to the r seas.- Under shelter of the hull. two boats were got away with the crew and made a safe passage through the surf to the beach. Captain Gardener remained aboard. The men were given a hot breakfast and' a change to dry clothes and will be given the usual care.by the Shipwreck Relief Society.

When the wind began to increase before daylight, preparatiqns were made pboard the Kahiki to put to sea. The anchor was taken •up and the vessel steamed ngninstctlie wind for a time, but a sudden Increase in the force d? the gale carried her back and it soon became apparent theib was little chance of getting out of the bay by taking the usual directriine against the wind.