Steamers in Collision.

Patea Mail, 28 April 1882, Page 2

Steamers in Collision.

WAKATU RUN DOWN.

Another disaster has happened to a Patea steamer, by collision in Wellington harbor while berthed at the wharfi This mishap occurred in the darkness on Wednesday evening, about seven o’clock, though lamps about the wharf and on steamers gave sufficient light to avoid collision, with ordinary care. Telegrams from Wellington report that the Wakatu was berthed at the Queen’s wharf; and the steamer Ladybird was arriving from Westport laden with coal, and making for a berth at the same wharf. She approached too fast to be controlled, and in spite of the warnings to be careful,- she ran end-on against the Wakatu, cutting her down amidships almost to the water line. The Wakatu is a strong-built vessel, but the force ol the collision tore the plates like cardboard. The two small boats on the davits have been rendered useless. The wheel was literally smashed to piece.s, and the steering gear put out of order. The funnel stays and main stay were also carried away. The ladies’ cabin was smashed fore and aft, and the captain’s cabin was also completely destroyed. Captain Gibbons was lying in his berth at the time, and narrowly escaped in the crash. As it was, he received some slight bruises. Several of the Wakatu’s cross-beams were also bent by the steamer being forced against the wharf. It is estimated that the repairs will cost fully £BOO. The Wakatn did not make any water. Several persons on the wharf heard the order given on the Ladybird to '‘go astern,” but the engines were not reversed until too late. When the captain of the Ladybird saw that a collision was imminent, he let go both anchors. This, however, had no effect on the vessel’s speed. The only damage sustained by the Ladybird was her bob-stay carried away. Fortunately no one was about the deck of the Wakatu at the time of collision.

RESULT OF INQUIRY. PROSECUTION OF OFFICERS. Wellington, this day.—A preliminary enquiry has been concluded on the steamers, as to the cause of the collision, and the Collector of Customs has recommended a magisterial investigation. This will have the effect of putting the captain and officers of the Ladybird on their trial.

We understand that the Patea S.S. Company, who own the Wakatu (their only boat at present) are arranging for another steamer to be put on the local trade immediately. The Wakatu was insured for £4OOO. Her repair may occcupy three or four weeks. The Ladybird was chartered from the Union Company by the Westport Colliery Company.