Earlier Reports on Extent Of Damage to Vessel

Rotorua Morning Post, Issue 5307, 21 January 1947, Page 5

Earlier Reports on Extent Of Damage to Vessel

An examination of the Wanganella's bows and the port skfe as seen from a launch showed that a foot of her straight stem had been torn and buckled for a distance of about five feet. Below the buckle, so far as could be seen, the receding portion oi tlie hull, which is of a" semi-arc form design, had not been damaged, but further aft there appeared to be a rupture of her plating below the waterline. On the starboard side of the bow and hard against it is the outermost rocks of the reef, projecting about 1 6ft. above the water at low tide. Another rock, just visible above low water, is hard against the vessel's side at a point immediately below the hridge.

The Wanganella a'ppears to be lodged in a cleft between the two rocks. She is not noticeably down by the stern and her uneven appearance .at noon to-day appeared to be due to the fact that the falling tide has left her bow slightly raised on. the reef, while her afterpart is afloat. At 1-1.10 a.m. to-day the harbour tug Toia, put a stee-1 hawser on the starboard quartef. The ferry steamer Cobar returned to Wellington without having a chanee to pick -up the mails or more than a few suitcases, packages ahd cabin luggage.

With the Toia pulling hard shortly after 11 a.m, the Wanganella began to run her engines astern as well, in an effort to free herself. The Union Company's - tug Terewhiti. arrived as extra assistance. Some passengers report water in No. 1 and No. 2 holds, but others have said that no serious damage occurred. However, only a thorough and expert inspection will clarify the position. There has heen no adviCe to suggest that fLe damage will prevent reffoating of tlie liner.