S.S. HIMATANGI FOUND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1016, 7 March 1912, Page 3

S.S. HIMATANGI FOUND.

ASHORE AT THE CHAT-

HAMS

NO DAMAGE DONE

The s.s. Gertie, which left Lyttelton on Wednesday, February 28th, in search of the missing steamer Himatangi, returned to Wellington last night with the information that the missing steamer was stranded at the Chatham Islands, and that the crew were safe and standing by. The Gertie also brought four of the passengers that were aboard the Himatangi. The vessel is ashore on the east side of Petre Bay, about two miles and a half from the Waitangi lauding place. The stranding occurred at about day-dawn on Sunday, February nth, through the steamer dragging from her anchorage. The vessel drifted upon the sandy beach, and the crew and passengers simply dropped overboard and walked ashore. No one was hurt, and there was never the slightest danger nor any lear of injury. There is no fear ol the steamer coming to any harm, as she is snug and safe on soft sand iu a sheltered bay, well guarded from the elements. It is probable that her cargo will be ruined, as the water pipes being blocked with sand, the temperature could not be kept down. The magisterial inquiry into the stranding of the Himatangi will be held when the necessary witnesses are available, probably in Wellington. It is likely that a preliminary inquiry will be dispensed with.