Perils of the Sea.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 147, 20 May 1884, Page 3

Perils of the Sea.

Narrow Escape of the Hawea. (UNITED PREHS ASSOCIATION.) | Wellington, May 19. The steamer Haweja, on her last trip from New Plymouth to Nelson had a narrow escape from going ashore in' Cable Bay. The vessel left New Plymouth on Wednesday, the wind blowing a gale from N.W. with heavy tfea. When the officers thought the vessel still a considerable distance from Nelson, the loom of land was again seen oh the port bow, and, : whilst the captain was watching for signs of the land, the' second officer reported laud On the starboard bow. The captain instantly stopped her, but suddenly, as if coming out of the I mist, land was seen 'in" 'front and on' either side of the steamer. The order" for full speed astern was given. The . sudden plunging of the 'stein forward forced the waves into breaking over the deck, the lights being put out ly the water coming m, and the stewards were busy baling the water from the smoking room. The crew werft called, and the boats got ready. For about an horn* the steamer continued backing, shivering from stem to stern with every sea. The force of tire waves 1 smashed the thick glass, m the stern lights, and the carpenter had to block one up to prevent the saloon from filling. After an hour's fight: the Hawea got 6"nt, to be pnb head to sea. The current ;tnd westerly >vind must set the vessel over to tho coast and thus made Cable Bay. \