The Sinking of the Taupo.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 942, 14 May 1881, Page 3

The Sinking of the Taupo.

This was the moment of excitement on board the s.s. Wellington, which had the Taupo in tow : —The passengers crowded on deck —some excited, others frightened. One lady is reported to have gone so far as to throw her arms round the neck of a prominent officer of the ship, imploring him to save her—such was the terror she was in as she saw the great vessel sinking beside them. At 10.40 p.m., the bow of the Taupo was seen to rise several feet out of water, and the whole vessel disappeared stern foremost beneath the waves. The only life lost being that of a poor dog, who refused to leave her in spite of much coaxing. The noise heard as the vessel sank is described as like to a heavy thunderclap that could be heard for miles round, and so terrific that some of the onlookers thought their end had come. In a few moments all was calm again, and the chart being consulted it was found that the Taupo had sunk about midway between Katikati and Mayor Island, aud about 11 miles from Karewha, in 38 fathoms of water This was the last of the Taupo, and so Captain Farquhar, although much regretting having to leave her after the measure of success achieved, had to come on to Auckland and leave her on the bottom, for which spot she always seemed to have a particular liking.