The Collision off Wilson's Promoutory.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 220, 17 September 1887, Page 1

The Collision off Wilson's Promoutory.

The ship Victoria Rogina, which collided with the ship Persian Empire on the 23rd ulb. , arrived ab Newcastle from Melbourne, and was towed up the stream. In regard to the collision, ib appears that both the vessels left Melbourne Heads on August 22nd, within half-an-hour of each other, and all went well till the 23rd, when both vessels were almost! in company. About 4 p.m. the chief officer Of the Victoria Kegina, noticing the Persian Empire pub about, went on the bridge and observed the position of both vessels. He reported to Captain Causey, who was down below, and told the latter he did not think the Persian Empire would cross the bows of the Victoria Regina. Captain Causey rushed on deck, and finding it too late to keep the ship away, ordered the holm to be put hard down. The ship came round, and when swinging the after yards the Persian Empire struck the Victoria Regina on the starboard bow. The order was then given aboard the Persian Empire to put the holm down, and both ships separated. The collison took place at a quarter to 5 near Logans Island. The captain of the Victoria Regina gave orders zo keep the ship close to the wind to see if the Persian Empire required assistance, and finding that the vessel had pursued her course to Wilson's Promontory, the Victoria Regina also proceeded on her voyage. The chief officer of the Victoria Rogina mentions that no order was given by the Persian Empire to put the helm down until the collision took place. At the moment of the collision the crew aboaid the Persian Empire began to cufc away the boats. The chief mate of the Victoria Regina told them there was no occasion to lower the boats, as everything was right. The damage was confined to a long way above the waterline.