FIREMEN UP TO THE WAIST IN WATER.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVIII, Issue 147, 25 June 1914, Page 5

FIREMEN UP TO THE WAIST IN WATER.

BEACHING THE ONLY HOPE

WESTPORT, June 25

When the Kauri was struck by the ■fcciuall she drifted sideways on to the tip head, and then slewed broadside on and hung on the breakwater about midships. The impact with the stones must have done considerable damage, as the boat rapidly took in, water. Her original draft was 12ft. Sin. aft and 7ft. forward, but the inrush of water pat her down to nearly 17ft. The signals showed 14 feet as the workable depth of the bar. Captain Ruston decided that it would be unwise to make a dart for the rirer. He therefore beached the -vessel to prevent her foilndering. He knew that the position was serious by the fact that .the men in the stokehold were working up to their waists in water. ..-,:,-• -~ t ■■£!:''

From a, cursory examination made yesterday, it would appear that the vessel is holed considerably amidships. In Nos. 1 and 2 holds,* and in the engine room, the tide is ebbing and flowing. . ', . ' It is anticipated that the cargo in No. 4 hold will'--.be found/ to be damaged by water,, '',: " If the vessel can - be-made -tight experts consider there- will be no difficulty in getting her off, -as she lies in a very protected position. The magisterial inquiry-, will take place next week. ..;...-