The Accident to the Rotomahana.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1339, 7 August 1883, Page 2

The Accident to the Rotomahana.

[By Telegraph.] BLUFF, This Day. The survey of the s.s. Rotomahana shows no perceptible damage, excepting the propeller being broken. The accident happened at a quarter to four. The vessel was then supposed to be entering the middle of Foveaux Straits, about four miles clear of land, steering a course to clear Waipapa. When the vessel struck, the second mate was in charge of the bridge ; Captain Carey was below. The night was clear, but there was a haze over the land. A light southerly wind prevailed, but there was a heavy roll from the southwaaA She struck about a mile and a half off tie land, and remained there an hour bumping lighty, The engines were put at full speed astern, without moving her, and they tried full steam ahead with the same result. This made her bump once very heavily, then the sscond swell lifted her off the rocks, and she steamed clear. The boats were got ready, and the life-belts served out to the crew and passengers, although the steerage passengers complained there were no life-belts in the steerage, and several had to go down to the saloon and take them out of the saloon berths. There was complete order on board, and Captain Carey was quite master of the situation, ordering everything without confusion. The sea was quite smooth ; there was a heavy swell, but no break. The Otara reef was visible on the outside portion of the vessel, as well as between her and the shore. She sailed for Port Chalmers at 3 p.m. The southetly swell throughout Friday night* and a strong spring flood tide, it is surmised, set her further in shore than was expected.