THE SORATA.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2356, 5 October 1880, Page 2

THE SORATA.

The reporter of the Adelaide “ Register,” writing on Sept. 19, says : Nothing further can at present be done, nor is it even being attempted, to float the Sorata. Briefly described, it may be said that the vessel’s back is completely broken. The rough weather she had during the latter part of lastweek, and the ground swell that accompanied the change that followed, have wrought great damage. The immense weight of this iron-plated vessel continually bumping on the sharp serrated reef of rocks upon which she rests has broken her up all along the bottom. As soon as sufficient water was taken out of her to lift her afterpart, she commenced to bump tremendously, and on Thursday last her bumping was accompanied with ominous groaning and creaking that too plainty showed the nature of the mischief going on. It was as if I could plainly hear the timbers and ironwork splitting in all directions, and the shape of her above the waterline soon showed that this was indeed the case. She began to settle down visibly aft and about amidships. Her forward-deck line was seen to form an easily-discerned angle with her after-deck line. The ship may possibly be sold as she stands. Although afloat she represents the magnificent amount of £120,000 —her engines alone arc said to be worth £60,000 —the price that would be obtained for her where she lies would probably be a very paltry sum. It is certain she could only be taken otf in pieces, unless an enormous expenditure were incurred, and it is doubtful whethci appliances to raise her magnificent machinery could be obtained in the colony. One portion of it alone weighs 20 tons. Even if the engines were raised it would seem that they would be of comparatively little value unless a ship of the same size as the Sorata were built expressly for them, or unless they were shipped to England The trouble and expense of either of these courses would be something enormous. As at present situated the Sorata might last till summer, for she is very strong, or she might break up at any time suddenly. A north-western is the wind to be dreaded.