THE WRECK OF THE WAIHORA. PARTICULARS OF THE DISASTER.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 143, 27 February 1886, Page 5

THE WRECK OF THE WAIHORA. PARTICULARS OF THE DISASTER.

Mklrouknk, Feb IS, Nem s is to hand from the cable station at j Low Heads, Ta mania, that the Union Co.'s a. c. Waihora, wl.'lo on the voyage from Hobart to Melboun. - 'truck on the Fddystone Rock, a point at iho entranco to the strait at tho north-east of Tasmania, at 2 pm. yesterday. The vessel proceeded fomo distanco after striking, but the Tasmanian Ste m Navigation Co.'s s s. ifoutnern Cross coming alongside, and water paining fast in the fore-hold of the Waihora, it was decided to beach her at Swan Island, Bank's Strait?, which was accordingly done. The crew and passangors were safely landed on Swan Island, and tho latter were afterwards transferred by the Southern Cross to Low Heads, whence they will be picked up and brought on to Melbourne by the s.a. Flinders to-morrow. Later. The Waihora left Hobarfc on Tuesday evening for Melbourne, having on board over 200 passengers. The weather was fine. When abreast of Eddystone the vessel struck on a rock, which she passed over She was immediately put back into Sandy Bay, but afterwards steamed on to Swan Island, where, as she wa3 making water fast, and had eight feet of her plating knocked off the bow, she was beached, and now lies with seven feet of water in her hold. The Tasmanian Steamship Company's Southern Cross came alongside at four p.m., and rendered what assistance was required. Captain McGee and the crew of the Waihora remain with the ship. It is stated the rock was one not marked on the chart. Later advices regarding the Waihora state that the vessel has settled down on the sand, about a hundred yards distant from the chore. Strenuous exertions are being made by the officers and crew to save the horses. The weather continues favourable, and hopes are entertained that the live stock will be safely got ashore. The steamer Etherore and the tug Toucan have been despatched with pumps to Swan Tslond. It has been arranged that the Southern Cross Fhall bring on the Waihora's passengers to Melbourne. The latest news as regards to the Waihora states that she is resting on the rock, which is right through her fore compartment. If fine weather continues it is thought she will be got off, and she is accordingly being | lightened by the removal of cargo from the forehold. There is no danger at present j of her breaking up. Melbourne, Feb. 22. ] The Waihora having been successfully floated, arrived here this morning allwell. She 9teamed from Swan Island, accompanied by a tug. The s.s. Waihora is now alongside the wharf discharging cargo, which turns out generally in fair order, and but little has been damaged. The vessel will be docked - to-morrow, when the extent of the damage she ha 9 sustained will be ascertained. The horses which she had on board arrived here eafely.