SOUTHERN CROSS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1932, Page 4

SOUTHERN CROSS

CREW ALL SAFE,

SMASHED ON CORAL REEF

t Australian fress Association.)

SYDNEY, November 12,

There was no loss of life when the Southern Cross ran on a reef during a squall. Aneityum is notorious for its jagged 1 coral reefs.

Ine ship struct the rocks in pouring ruin at'3.lo a.m. All the deck cargo was swept overboard, and a stud hoar, which was on deck, was beheaded. The first boat launched was smashed and the crew were unable to launch the other. An officer then swam ashore with a line. The distance was about, 150 yards through boiling surf and coral, and the swim took over half an hour. Later another line was sent ashore. Some of the crew who were unable to swim were helped ashore or rescued, where necessary, by other whites. On® passenger tried to get ashore along one line which broke, and the captain, in pyjamas and dressing gown, dived in to the rescue. The man tried to dutch him as lie was unable to swim. The captain removed his dressing gown, then knocked the passenger out and managed to. get him ashore, where two gallons of watfer were shaken out of -him. The captain and his three officers werei in the /, water for three hours directing and helping the rescue operations. The captain chartered 1 a lopaj schooner and proceeded towards Ane» ityum, where he hoped to pick up hi* drew and go the Solomon Islands, from where he planned to return with a fillip.

The captain sheltered at Erromanga till three o’clock yesterday owing to the strong winds. He made Vila, capital of the New Hebrides, in his launch with following winds in the record time of twelve hours. The engine and sail were soaked all the time. .