KAHU REFLOATED.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3323, 30 October 1919, Page 5

KAHU REFLOATED.

A PERILOUS EXPERIENCE. . WELLINGTON, Oct. 29. The ‘following wireless rnessage has been ‘received by ;the agents of» the Kahu: “The Kahu h-as been refloated and is discharging at Whangaroa. She is now at anchor.” V M A later n'less'age states that the captain discovered a leak into the engineroom, caused by the telegraph casing having been smashed, and he is now ascertaining if the hull is leaking. When the vessel sprung a leak 70 miles from land she was at the mercy of the heavy seas, and prepa,'rati-Mons were made to launch the boats, although all were of opinion that beats would not have lived in such a rough sea. The stern of the vessel at this time was practically under water. The captain, as a last resource, put all hands to _bailing the ship, prior to abandoning her, and after strenuous. efforts the Water in the stokehold was reduced. From this on the water was kept in check. The fires were re-l'it,,but. the coal had to be handed down to the s-tokehold from -the deck in bucke-‘ts. The leak was not located, but was supposed to be under the engine—room, and probably was temporarily blocked by coal. The'captain’s son, aged five years, not undel'st«anding the danger, expressed disappointment that the vessel was not sinking, as he wanted to see the boats launched. Many of the crew and pas’sengers had no sleep for sixty ho-urs. NA-PIER, Oct. 29.

Advices received from the Chathvams by Richardson and Co. state that the Kahu will return under her own steam, leaving fo-morrow. The leak has been located, and the Knahu is now sea.Worthy. The Make is now proceeding to the Chathams.

In rcferenco to the telegraphed account of .the -mishap,‘ in which it was said -there were no pumps on tho Kahu. Richardson -and Co. state that the vessel carries pumps, which are surveyed annually, and on this occasion were out of action by being choked with coal.