TOW-LAUNCH SUNK

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 654, 4 May 1929, Page 1

TOW-LAUNCH SUNK

COLLISION WITH STEAMER CREW OF TWO ESCAPE Shortly after six o’clock last j evening a collision occurred in the Waitemata Harbour between the steamer Rangitoto and the small launch Alert, as a result of which the launch sunk. jjvhE Alert, which was towing a shingle barge alongside, from Freeman's Bay to Kawau Island, was on the port side of the barge when the collision occurred. The Rangitoto was returning to Auckland from Thames. The accident occurred off Sandspit Beacon shortly after the launch and b.irge had rounded Duder’s bank. The steamer struck the smaller vessel on the port bow, cut through the timbering and a few minutes later the launch went down. Had it not been for the mooring lines which secured her to the shingle barge she would have sunk immediately. The two men on the launch had an exciting scramble from the sinking launch on to the barge, but fortunately succeeded in getting aboard before their vessel went to the bottom in about four and a-half fathoms of j water. The shingle barge was moored at the scene of the collision to mark the sunken craft's position. RAISED THIS MORNING This morning efforts to raise the | Alert proved successful. She was secured by the bow and moored to the barge which in turn was taken in tow , by the tug boat Jumbo. With only her exhaust funnel and the top of her | cabin roofing visible above w ater, the launch was towed to Auckland. This afternoon efforts were to have been made to slip the vessel at Free- j man’s Bay, until when the full extent of the damage done will not be ascertainable. If the submerged vessel is drawing too much water to allow her to be slipped, she will probably be beached. The damage is thought to be fairly extensive. The launch was not insured. When new she was worth about £9OO. The Alert, which was owned by Perry Brothers, shipping and towing agents, was a vessel 32ft in length, with a beam of 9ft., and was employed principally in towage work. The Rangitoto, owned by the Northern Steamship Company, Limited, is a vessel of 696 tons gross and one of the best-known steamers trading from Auckland. For many years she has been engaged in the Auckland-Thames passenger run.. A nautical inquiry will be held.