S.S. TRIUMPH ASHORE AT TIRITlRI.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 28, 15 December 1883, Page 4

S.S. TRIUMPH ASHORE AT TIRITIRI.

(From the Auckland "Star," Nov. 30.) G^eat excitement was caused in town this morning by a report which obtained speedy circulation to the effect that the direct steamer Triumph had gone ashore at Tiritiri. The unwelcome news greeted our citizens immediately on their arrival in town to commence the business of ( the day, and in many instances it was received with doubt. That it was substantially correct was, however, soon proved beyond a doubt. Residents of the North Shore brought' the intelligence that not only, was* the vessel hard and fast on one side of Tiritiri, but that she had been firing guns since daybreak, while the flagstaff at Mount Victoria only top clearly showed the signal denoting a steamer' in distress. Further confirmation of the report was afforded by persons living on the higher levels of the city, Vnany of whom claimed to have seen the big steamer in a stationary position so close to the land that there could be no doubt that she was ashore.

'The Triumph's Departure. It w^s well known that the Triumph had left the Queen-street Wharf about eight o'clock last night, Pilot William Burgess being in charge. The night was a clear starlight one, and there could be no difficulty outside in seeing the' Mnd on either hand. This fact it was which inclined people to doubt the statement that the vessol was ashore at Tiritiri, it being consideVed highly improbable that she would have run on to an island which must have loomed up large, and on which there is always a bright light burning. This light, our readers are aware, shows out very clearly from the Auckland side. An impression appeared to exist during the forenoon that it was on Shearer Rock that the vessel had struck, and this conclusion gained strength from the surrounding circumstances. The rock in question lies to the north-eastward of the island, and there would have been a greater likelihood, it "wfas thought, of an outward-bound vessel striking it than of running on to the island itself. The latter casualty was, however, the one which occurred.

A Fortunate Circumstance. When the report of the catastrophe was made known, it was remembered as a most fortunate circumstance that the emigi'ants for the South were- shipped on the Manapouri, and left by that ves&el yesterday. Consequently, the excitemont in town waa not heightened by the fears for the safety of the passenger!*,' FrGm'the vessel's papers, it appeared that there was only one passenger aboard, and ho was a Mr Thompson, who had come through with the steamer from London, and was bound South. The Triumph had, of course, a considerable quantity of cargo shipped at the commencement of the voyago for Wellington, Lytcleton, aad Port Chalmers, and in addition to this, about twentytwo bales of wool, three bales ' of basil leather, besides same curios and pictures taken in nt Auckland. The fact of the passengers having been sent South yesterday by the Manapouri was a most fortunate one, and doubtless averted many painful and exciting scenes when the steamer struck, besides lessening subsequent expense.

Disoovery of the Casualty. Although the accident must have happened about ten o'clock last night, nothing was known of it here until this morning. At daybreak, Mr John Landers, signalman, made his customary inspection of the entrance to the harbour, when he was astonished to observe a large steamer close in shore on the eastern side of Tiritiri. It was apparent at a glance that she was injudiciously near to the land, and various indications favoured the conclusion that she was aground. There was no means of ascertaining the name of the unfortunate ship, but he at once despatched a message to Captain I. J. Burgess, Chief Harbour-master, informing him of the circumstances. There was at this time a signal at the Tiritiri station for a steamer to come down, and Captain Burgess at once madethenecessary arrangements for chartering the North Shore Ferry Company's Victoria. Steam was got up on board, and the Victoria left early in the forenoon under the charge of Captain Clark, and having Captains Burgess and Kearing on board.

Excitement in Town. The departure of the steamer was followed by the circulation of ridiculous canards in town concerning the supposed cause and results of the casualty. It was asserted by some that theship was nigh and dry on Shearer Rock, others [were equally certain that only her bow or stern had touched, while by far the greater number claimed to have it on good authority that she was a total wreck. As the forenoon advanced, it was repotted that the vessel had been floated off and gradually the anxiety concerning her lessened greatly, and it, was concluded that the reports had been ! greatly .e^aggerated j . interested parties commenced negotiations for the charter of steamers to take them down to the scene of the casualty, but whether the term's were too high or the d, es>ire to come to terms not great, ! it is at all events certain that -nothing was ' done in this direction. The Tongariro was i under charter, but it was feared by her directors that she would not be back in time for her trip this afternoon, and, consequently she did ridt start. Messrs Nathan ana Co. made' the necessary arrangements for sending down the barque Helen Denny aud two ketches to take in cargo from, the TJriumph if thought desirable, with the object of lightening her.

Return of the Victoria, Between eleven and twelve o'clock, the steamer Victoria was observed returning round the North Head. - A small crowd of persona collected on the iNortli Shore Ferry Company's •tee I ,' and *on the face of each eagerness and anxiety was clearly depicted. The knot comprised the vessel's agents, insurance representatives, and various ' persdng interested in harbour matters. When the, steamer came alongside it wps found thalj the only passengers were Captains Burgess and Nearing, and Mr Thompson; whom we have previously mentioned as the sole passenger wtyo \eit by the Triumph. . A rush was mad© forthe deck of the Vjeioriaj and numerous questions were put to' those on board with' * surprising Replies were vague and unsatisfactory, and the most that could be. gleaned from thc'few^ah^ere that were 1 given was that the 'JMttmpji had run' clean' ashore cln the rocks aWfriliri, 'ahd 'ttfat ' "'

Sbe wanj Dapgerpjiig Position. It was impossible ( ip fcearn more than this , iox, a , (ew . minutes, each of the ciwcP his 1 ' 'curiosity ita be satisfied in turjii \ |t; liowever, soon be-, came known that there was a great deal of water in the hold, while the opinion was' expressed <at the same timq r phqb , there {.was a , Jijsejfyood that the ship would be gofc off. PilpJ' William Burgess arrived from' the 1 North Shore immediately after the Victoria came alongside, anil, {(.qm. him we. learned, that he

loft the Triumph at nine o'olook last night, she then being outside Tiritiri. The returned passengers and Captains Burgess and Nearing were all interviewed by our representative, and by them we are furnished with various particulars of the occurrence, and the present position of the vessel, which is not by any means a satisfactory one.

Mr Thompson's Statement. This gentleman informs us that he was asleep at the time of the ocourrence. The steamer left the wharf about eight o'clock, and soon after ten o'clock he was awakened by her striking heavily. The shock naturally created a great deal of excitement on board, especially when it was found that water was raakirrg fast. The captain was on the bridge at the time, and the pilot had left more than an hour previously. When she struck, the steamer was going at the rate of eleven miles per hour. When he left, there was about twelve feet of water in the small fore-compartment which had struck. Bine lights and rockets were burned during the night for assistance, and this morning' guris were fired.

Position of tho Vossol. From Qaptain Clark we learned that the I Triumph' is lying on the south-east end of Tiritiri. She is fixed on the rocks under j the south-east point, and on the fairway for the light-house. She struck at tho foremast i tight compartment, which is now partially filled with water. Captain Burgess, after taking soundings, advised that the cargo should be taken out of the forehold and placed aft, so as to lighten her as much as possible forward, in the hope that she might be got to float off. This was to be done when the Victoria left. There is 17 feet of water abaft the fore rigging on the inner side, while there could not be less than seventeen fathoms under the stern.

j Captain Burgess's Statement. Captain Burgess's statement is to the effect that he found the Triumph in the position described by the signalman, and already stated. He considers it to be a bad position, more especially if it were to blow trom the north-west. She is lying about 150 feet from the cliffs, and close on the south-east end of Tivitiri, on the rocks. Her foi'o-compartment is full of water, and he considers the only chance to get her off is to shift the cargo and put her down as much as possibleby the stern. He made an inspection, but could not discover if any of the other compartments were injured besides this. Soundings which were made showed nine feet of water under the forehatch, 18 feet at the beginning of the main hatch, 27 feet at the end of tho main hatch, and 77 feet at the stem of the vessel. Tho captain informed the Harbour-mastor that he was on deck when the steamer struck, but he could give no explanation regarding the cause of tho casualty. Captain Neai4ng's statomont is very much to the same effect.

Captain Hopkins on the Soono. The steamer Blanche arrivod from Orewa this afternoon, and it being known that she had been alongside the Triumph, our roporter interviewed Captain Charles Hopkins, and obtained the following statement : — I was coming from Orewa in the Blanche early this- morning, when I observed over the end of Tiritiri a steamer's mast, with a distress signal on it, I hove away in that direction, and found that the steamer was the Triumph, and that she was ashore on the island. Tho°e on board began to live guns, and continued to do so until I got within half-a-mile of them, firing perhaps half-a-dozen guns altogether. I j steamed right across the prssage, and under the Triumph's stern. She was jammed right on to the eastern corner of Tiritiri, so that when she struck she | must have been going north-north-west, while she should really have been heading north-east. Her bow was right on to the about rocks, within 25 yards of the clift'. I went alongside, and asked if I could give them any assistance. They told me the captain was below. I went aboard and asked him if I could do anything for him, but he replied the Harbour-master would be there presently (the Victoria was then in sight) so that he did not want any assistance just then. Although I had gone three miles out of my way, he did not even say "thank you." I went forward and had a look at the forehold. It was partly filled with water, and there was a lot of broken timber, which I suppose was emigrants' fittings, floating about. There was about 14ft. of water in the compartment, but, as it was dirty, I could not see it the rooks were through the bottom. On the port bow there was a lot of broken rock, one peak not having more than four feet oi water over it, After the Harbour master had made his soundings, I asked the captain again if he wanted any assistance, and he replied "no. 1 I left at a quarter past eleven. In answer to further questions , our informant said the third mate told him that the captain was on deck at the time of the occurrence. Blue lights were sent up for assistance during the night. They had a kedge out over the quarter, or wire rope, but it was not well out, being at an angle of 45. Captain Hopkins added that the steamer had no business within five miles of where she struck.

Vessels Sent to Assistance. The Government steamer Stella left for the scene at two o'clock, with a cutter in tow; the Macgregor went down later. These vessels will render any assistance required in the way of removing cargo or towage. Mr Seed, of the Customs Department, Mr Hill, and Captain Burgess went down in the Stella. December 1.

First Impressions. j Having, through the courtosy of Captain Grey, been offered a passage in the Government, steamer Stella, I left for the scene at 1.30 p.m., and after a pleasant trip arrived alongside of the Triumph a few minutes after 4 o'clock. The first thing which seemed to strike all on board of the Stella was an intense feeling of wonder as to however the vessel got into such a position, and so far out of her course. At first sight she appeared to be lying snugly under the high cliff of Tiritiri, and although large and jagged pro jecting rocks showed out prominently on the port bow of the steamer, she was almost on an even keel, and it was really difficult to conceive that she was in a very critical position. The tide, however, was high at the time, the wind light, and water smooth, so that all circumstances so far as concerned the immediate prospect of the vessel keeping afloat were most favourable. XJpon stepping on board, it was observed that the vessel had a slight list to port. She rose and fell very gently with the motion of tb,e tide, but not sufficiently to raise any fears that she would break up on the rocks. These circumstances were noticed while on a rapid survey of the position of tho vessel, prior to having an interview with Captain Brotherton, commander of the Triumph, who furnished me with particulars of the accident.

Captain Brotherton's Statement, He said that he did not care to enter into any explanation at that moment, because he considered such inadvisable, but otherwise he would with pleasure give any particulars that might be desired, Then, in answer to questions asked, ho said that at

9.15 p.m. yesterday (Thursday), the pilot (Captain William Burgesa) left the vessel between Rangitoto reef and Tivitiri, Captain Brotherton then took command, and remained on deok. He intended, he Buid, to steev a straight course for Capo Colville. At 10.15 p.m., while going eleven knots an hour, a terrible shook was felt, the vessel having stuck hard and fast on a lowlying rook on the south-east end of Tiritiri. The rate at which the steamer was going caused her to shoot on to the rook until she was aground from the bow to the foremast. An effort was made to back her off by going astern, but this not being successful, orders were given to lighten the vessel, and as a first step in this direction the water ballast (about 300 tons) was pumped out of the forwai-d compartment. An anchor was also run out astern, but still all exertions made to get her off the rocks proved fruitless. An examination of the forehold having been made, it was found to contain fully eleven feet of water, and the crew were set about discharging cargo in the fore part of the ship with the view of lightening her, and were busily engaged in this manner throughout the night. Every quarter of an hour rockets were sent up in tne hope of attracting attention and securing assistance from town, and guns were also fired periodically with the same object, but no responso was made until i about 10 o'clock next morning, when the steamer Victoria, with Capts. Burgess and Nearing camo down. Af tor consulting with these gentlemen Captain Brotherton recognised the fact that the only prospect of saving his ship was by taking all tho cargo from the fore part of the vessel and putting her considerably down by the stern. Accordingly arrangements wore made to this effoct. Captain Brotherton did not give any explanation as to the reason why the vessel was out of her course further than already stated ; so, after thanking him for the particulars already furnished, I proceeded to mako a tour of the ship. ]

A Glance Down the Forehold at once showed that the damage sustained was of a very serious character. It was full of water almost level with the 'tween decks, and cargo and broken packages were floating about. The cargo was mostly below water, and I was infovmed it consisted principally of iron, although I saw perishable goods afterwards hoisted out. Some idea of the force of the concussion can bo gathered from the fact that one of the staunchions was broken, and others bout and buckled. The combings of the hatchway were burst, and in places the 't\\ eon decks had been forced up, so that all indications appeared to be in favour of the conclusion that an immense rock had gone clean through the ve.-&ol just under the foro hatchway, and that the ship would have to bo lightened very considerably forward to afford the slightest prospect oi floating her off. Several nautical mon who also mado a minute inspection of this part of the vessel, w ere much im preyed with tho critical position in which she was, and the unanimous opinion arrived at was that unless tine weathei continued the prospects of saving her were very poor. A strong north easterly breeze, accompanied by a rough sea, was the one tiling dreaded, for should the vessel once begin to work on the rocks, she will certainly not hold togetker long. The gteamer being firmly fixed for 60ft. forward on the rocks, while the after part of the vessel was swaying to the movement of a heavy swell, would, it can easily be understood, soon cause a general breaking up ; so that is the ono thing dreaded above all others.

IMr D. Gouk to the Rosoue, About 5 o'clock in the evoning, the steamer Macgreeor, in charge of Captain Johnson, put in an appearance, having on board Mr D. Gouk and about fifty men and several shipwrights, who had been engaged to assist in unloading the vessel. Mr Gouk also brought down various appliances in the way of blocks, rope, canvas, oakum, timber, &c, all of which might be required in his efforts to float the ship, and having got his men and gear on board, things soon assumed a businesslike aspect, and the dull monotony which reigned on the ship prior to their arrival soon changed to a scene of unusual activity. The work of discharging from the forehold was pushed on with greater effect than formerly, and the result was that the deck was soon covered with packages of various descriptions, which were either lowered into a lighter lying alongside or shifted aft. The scheme to be adopted for the floating of the vessel had not been decided upon during my visit, but it wan anticipated that after the cai'go was cleared out of the forehold a temporary deck would be laid down in order to, so far as possible, keep the water down in that apartment, after which the pumps could be set going. The vessel having six watertight compartments apart from the forward portion where the damage was confined, had, of course, sufficient buoyancy to float, and as a minute inspection of each division showed that, excepting the fore-hold, all were dry, the position at least did not grow worse, although a falling glass gave indication of coming bad weather, while the wind and sea got up considerably during the afternoon.

The Celestials Have a Treat. Captain, officers, and crew appeared to take things quietly, apparently accepting the inevitable with u spirit of resignation, but the occasion seemed to provide a rare treat for the twenty Chinese firemen on board. These almond-eyed sons from the Flowery Land, quite lost to all consideration of their dangerous position, speedily discovered that they haddropped upon a capital fishing-ground, and all the fishing-lines available were speedily got over the side. I Sport became exceedingly lively, and in a very short time numerous buckets were filled with schnapper and other fish, and the joy of the fishers seemed to be very great. Every fresh capture was greeted with exuberant applause, the laughter and chattering of the Chinese being something most ludicrous. These Chinamen, I was informed, are the quietest set of feilows ever found on board a ship, and no one objected to their obtaining a little enjoyment as well as profit. While conversing with one of the officers of the vessel, I discovered a man clambering up the almost perpendicular cliff about fifty yards distant, and the ascent did not by any means seem an easy one, and had to be accomplished by the aid of, numerous projecting rocks and very imperfect steps ' Hia appearance gave rise to the relating of an incident in connection with the accident. Shortly after the steamer struck, those on board were greatly alarmed by the appear ance of a man on the cliff above, whd shouted and gesticulated in a most exciting manner. "Get ashore, get ashore," he cried ; " get the boats out at once and come ashore. " The lighthouse-keeper recognised the very dangerous situation of the steamer, and judging by the speed at which she was going when she struck, he evidently expected to see her go down every moment, Those on board, however, did not recognise the necessity of following his advice, and remained on board waiting to see what would turn up. Having seen all that could be seen, I resolved to return to town, and the Stella having dq-

parted, took passage in thos.s, Maogregor, arriving here shortly after nine o'clock, having concluded that the steamship Triumph, is in a most oritioal position, and that unless operations are favoured with a good spell of line weather, there is very little hope of saving the vessel.

Statement by Captain Roff. Captain Roff, of the cutter Besigy, makes the following statement. About seven o'clock on Friday morning, when to the northward of Tiritiri, I observed flashlights and rockets in the vicinity of the island, from 10.30 until daybreak, the weather during that time being very nasty, with occasional showers of ram, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Tiritiri light was, however, very distinct. I could hear several rockets, but could not see them, as the weather was unfavourable. ; We pulled the vessel for three milea with sweeps, when a breeze took us close to a large steamer, which proved to be the Triumph. T pulled off in the dingy, went alongside, and boarded her. I asked the captain what he was going to do, but he ; would not speak. He handed me a letter I for L. D. Nathan and Co., but took it away again when he saw the steamer approaching. I went round the vessel, and I saw that there was about 14 feet of water in the forehold. There was about 60 or 70 j feet of the vessel on the rock, which lies about 25 feet distant from the island. When we left, the ship's boat started also for Auckland, but was pinked up by the steamer Victoria and brought back to the Triumph.

The Waitaki at tbe Wreck. The Kamo Coal Company s steamei' Waitaki, when on her return from the excursion trip to Whangarei, visited the scene of the casualty. A Stab representative was on board the Waitaki, and supplies an account of the incident. When oft' Ka waii, the masts of |a steamer were observed rising over the land near the lighthousoonTiritiri, and it was hastily concluded i that it was the Stella landing stores — the Waitaki having encountered the Govern- j merit steamer leaving Whangarei harbour on Thursday morning. As a nearer view was obtained, however, it was seen from the size of the' steamer that it was not the Stella, and it further became apparent that she was muking no progress, and that she was suspiciously close in shore. Classes were brought into requisition, arid the fact was elicited that the stranger was no other than the Triumph. Speculation was rife as to how she came to be in such a position, and why she stayed there, but nothing satisfactory was hit upon until a more daring individual suggested that she was stuck on the rocks. This idea, though laughed to scorn at first, gained ground rapidly, and a nautical gentleman on board, though anxious to give "odds" on the question, found "no takers " willing to back the opposite view. Captain Crawford, after a careful scrutiny of the position, decided that some accident must have happened, so he had the Waitaki put about and steered for the Triumph. Arrived within a short distance of the steamer, which was now soen to bo stranded right under a towering cliff, a boat was lowered, and Mr Bonner, first mate of the Waitaki, went on board. Being received by the Captain of the Triumph, and informed of the state of affairs, Mr Bonner said he was instructed to olFer any assistance that might be required ; but the otter was declined, on account of arrangements for help having been previously made. The Waitaki thereupon resumed her interrupted journey. As seen from the decks of the latter steamer, the Triumph lay with a felight list to port, and with her stem rather higher than it should be, but otherwise there were no symptoms of damage being suffered. The busy operations for disposing of cargo, taking place amid such unwonted surroundings, showed plainly the gravity of the situation. The decks of the Triumph were loaded with boxes, bales, and miscellaneous cargo, and all hands could be seen in a state of bustle and excitement. '

Communication with the Triumph. The s.a. Rose Casey towed down a barge last evening, and other lighters were towed down to-day. The steamer Argylo left for the Triumph about 7,30 a.m. to-day, with Mr L. B. Nathan on board, and the Waitaki, Blanche, and other steamers also made special trips, the Waitaki, which left here at 2 p.m., having a large number of excursionists.

Diving Operations. In order that a correct estimate of the damage sustained by the Triumph may be formed, the services of a diver were engaged, and he left for the scene by the steamer Blanche about two o'clock this afternoon. It is expected that the diver would go down into the forehold this afternoon, all necessary arrangements having been made to have the examination made early.

Efforts to Float the Vessel. By return of the steamer Argyle from the Triumph, we learned that an effort was made to float the Triumph at high water this morning, when the steamer Rose Casey took her in tow. The Triumph moved slightly, but the effort did not prove successful. Captain Nearing is, however, of opinion that, aided by two large steamers, and with more cargo discharged, the Trinmph may be towed off to-morrow morning, when It' is intended to make another effort in that direction.

Tho Officers of the Triumph and the Immigrants. Several facts which have transpired are not of a kind calculated to raise the officers of the Triumph in public estimation. It is the practice of the Immigration Department to give gratuities to the officers of a vessel carrying immigrants, as a reward for faithful discharge of difficult duties ; but on this occasion it appears that though subordinates received their perquisite it has been withheld from the captain, chief officer, and doctor. This course was resolved upon by Mr Elliott, Under-Secretory for Immigration, and Mr Mays, the local immigration officer, because of certain complaints of improper conduct taking place during the voyage- -the statements being apparently so well founded that it was deemed right to decline paying the money until further enquiry took place,