STEAMER WRECKED.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 858, 28 June 1910, Page 3

STEAMER WRECKED.

NEAR GREYMOUTH. Grevmouth, June 27. ' oriland Steamship Comlerdale struck on the nigh tide this morniow ashore on the ; d vessel was the cen. Test to-day, and bund. •.•••is :■ ,cked to the beach. The falling tide showed the vessel to be within 300 yards of the shore at low water. The rocket apparatus fired a line across the vessel.

During the night she had drifted about half a mile to the southward. At iour o’clock this afternoon communication was established with the shore, and the crew, 23 in all, came across in a basket. In transit each man had to endure a plunge in the surf, which was breaking very roughly on the shore.

Captain Clark, interviewed by a representative of the Grey River Argus this evening, stated that at 12.20 a.m. he received signals to enter, and he kept a straight course with the beacons in view. He had entered between the breakwaters when the vessel refused to answer her helm, and struck some object near where the Hawera came to grief. He at once ordered “Full speed astern,” and the steamer backed out past the breakwater and cleared it. He then signalled for a tug, and cruised about until 2.30, when it was found that the vessel was sinking. At that time the signals regarding the bar indicated “Dangerous,” and he had to beach the steamer to prevent her going down in deep water. If the tug had been sent out there was no doubt that the vessel would have been saved. There was a heavy ground swell at the time.

The crew were all well provided with dry clothing, and every attention shown to them. The steamer is now broadside on to the beach, and the expert’s opinion is that she will never be got off.