ENTON WRECK
—— STOWAWAY FROM NEW ZEALAND. STORY TOLD BY CHEW. SYDNEY, February 12. The .story of the wreck of the motor, ship Eaton, which struck the Amadu Reef, New. Caledonia, was told by BO members of the crew, who reached Sydney this week. Gloomily, the men, who appeared to be none the worse for their experiences attributed their bad luck and the wreck of their ship to the “Jonah” influences of a stowaway, who embarked at Lyttelton, the ship’s last port of call before it was overtaken by disaster. On the morning of January 28th, the Enton’s officers apparently were unable, in the inky blackness, to determine the position of their ship. Clouds obscured the stars. Suddenly an ear-splitting grinding noise announced to, the ship’s company that nlie vessel had run up on to a reef. Breakers immediately began to break over the vessel and settle her in a firm position. Unnoticed side currents, the crew stated, had swept the vessel off her course.
Immediately the fate of the vessel became certain lifeboats were gol ready in case of emergency. With bis officers, Captain Smith made a survey of the position which, at the time, was reassuring. No water had entered the Isolds, and everything appeared to be watertight. Several members of the crew were not so satisfied with the situation, and they took to the boats. Later high seas pounded against the Futon, which swayed and lurched until finally it rested in but two feet, of water. Even the lifeboats had to be pushed out into deeper water to save them from damage. The wireless operator (Mr E. K. Bond) stood at his post for 62 hours, and he sent messages for help until the incoming water stopped his dynamo.
While taking care of a lifeboat one seaman met with injuries from which he died later. While on the deck of the Eli ton he placed his foot in a coil of rope, which was holding a boat. A heavy sea caused the lifeboat to break awav_ from the side of the ship and like a snake the rope coiled round the seaman’s leg, severing it.
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Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1931, Page 8
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357ENTON WRECK Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1931, Page 8
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