NARROW ESCAPE OF THE S.S. TARANAKI.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 123, 26 May 1877, Page 2

NARROW ESCAPE OF THE S.S. TARANAKI.

The Union Company's s.s. Taranaki, Capt. Griffiths, arrived here at 2 o'clock this morning. Oa entering the harbor it was noticed that she had a heavy list to port, and as she neared the wharf it was apparent by her looks that she had gone through some rough weather. On deck the vessel presented a most weird aspect, the whole of the poop railing on both sides haviug been carried away, wheel cover and wheel broken to pieces, skylight smashed in, covering board split in two, and other damage being done besides. On the bridge were to be seen evidences of the weather she must have had, the massive iron davits having been completely wrenched out of their sockets, railing twisted like so many pieces of wire, aud one of the boats lying alongside the engine-room skylight, while those on the port side were found, to be missing. Underneath the bridge Were .noticed broken plates scattered about in all- directions, and the officers' berths generally were turnedupsidedown. The Taranaki left Onehunga at 2-30 p.m. on Thursday, and made Taranaki yesterday morning early, hut in consequence of the heavy sea running the surf boat was unable to put off, and the signal from the shore having been run up to proceed on, the Taranaki shaped a course for Nelson. All went well until about 7 o'clock last evening, when the steamer must bave been somewhere near Cape Farewell, as Captain Griffiths expected to sight the light every minute. At that time a tremendous sea, reachingas high as the bowsprit end, aud extending right fore and aft, struck the steamer, and for a moment made her stagger, those on: board thinking their last moment had come. The fine little steamer shook herself clear, and came out once more, but not without sustaining considerable damage. The two port boats were carried away, one of the starboard ones knocked against the engine-room skylight, the whole of the railing round the poop torn from its place, covering board split, cabin skylight stove in, and wheel knocked in pieces. A large quantity of water found its way below, flooding the cabin and extinguishing the lights. Immediately, after the sea struck the steamer the helm was put down, and the vessel's head brought to the sea, and the ship hove to, when the wreck was cleared away. In abont an hour's time this was done, and the Taranaki stood ou her course, arriving' here as above. The damage was done by due sea, the weight of which was estimated at several tons, and the wonder is that the steamer did not founder, as there must have been at least ten feet of water on the poop, fortunately no one was washed overboard, though one of the crew escaped by a miracle. The coal below also shifted, which gave the steamer a heavy list to port. Capt. Griffiths and officers deserve giea"< credit for the able manner in which they bandied the vessel on such a trying occasion. The news of the disaster spread like wildfire this morning, and during the day the steamer has been visited by a large number of people. A gang of carpenters have been busily at work all day effecting repairs. The whole of the contents of the cabin were turned out, and found to' be saturated with water, and the rigging was covered with blankets, linen &c, hung up to dry. The Taranaki will sail for Picton and Wellington to-morrow morning at 8 o'clock. She will proceed from the latter port direct to Dunedin, where the repairs will be effected.