THE SHIP PERSIAN EMPIRE PARTIALLY DISABLED. Collision at Sea.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 220, 17 September 1887, Page 3

THE SHIP PERSIAN EMPIRE PARTIALLY DISABLED.

Collision at Sea.

A suaors collision occured Augu.sC 24th on the other tide of Wilson \s Piomontoiy, which, but for the fine weather prevailing, might have proved very disastrous. The ships which collided were the Persian Empire, 1,532 tons, Captain Ward, and the Victoria Kegina, 1,942, Captain Cawf-ey. The vessels left the ITeadsin ballast for Newcastleon Monday, and keptoompany allalong the coast to Wil.son'h Promontory, which was passed by both vchsolrf within halt-an-hour of each other on Tuesday forenoon. The collision occurred about 5 o'clock the flame afternoon. The weather was tine, with a light north-east wind blowing. The Persian Empire was on the port tack, and the Victoria Jlcgina on the starboard tack. The latter, thiough some misunderntanding, ran into the former, and after carrying away her jibboom, the forewdl, topmast, topgallant mast and royal backstays, struck her fair amidships on the port side, making a large

hole from the main rail through the cover-ing-board and three plates below, bringing the aperture within two feet of the waterline. The Victoria Kogitn, then, after backing out, cleared away and stood on her course. Captain Ward lost no time in iixing up the damaged hull. The hole was stopped by means of bedding, bulging and planks. After this was done Captain Ward considered it prudent to return to Port Phillip for repairs, as he felt sure that his vessel would go down should any rough weather bo encountered. The Peihian Empire arrived at the Head this morning, and having signalled the intelligence of the disaster a tug was sent to her assistance, and she was towed up the bay and arrived oft" Williamstown this c\ ouing.