S.S. CORINNA

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1930, Page 4

S.S. CORINNA

SUNK IN COOK STRAIT. vßy Telegraph—Press Association). WELLINGTON, November 9. The Comma, an obsolete passenger, and later a cargo vessel of 1319 tons, belonging the Umcm Steam .Ship' Company, was yesterday towed into Cook Strait, and sunk with a charge that blew a hole in her bottom. The vessel was first stripped of the remainder of her fittings and furnishings of value that had not been removed from her since last New Year’s Eve, on which date she was withdrawn from the run between Dunedin and New Plymouth. The main mast, still in an excellent state of preservation, was also removed,

The Corinna was then towed by the tng “Terawhiti” to a point in Cook Strait 20 miles from land, which was beyond the 100 fathoms area required by the regulations. A charge of 901bs of dynamite gelatine was placed under the Corinna’s boilers, and it was exploded electrically by wires from the Terawhiti. The explosion must have blown a hole of considerable size in the bottom, because her stern up-end-ed and she slid under the water in nine minutes.

Great difficulty was experienced in carrying nut the work of destruction, ■as heavy seas, a strong wind and rain came out of a clear sky to batter the. Terawhiti against the sides of the Corinna, as if the elements disapproved of the annihilation of the old vessel.