MARINE MISHAPS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 144, 22 June 1904, Page 3

MARINE MISHAPS.

WRECK OE THE P. AND O. AUSTRALIA. A PLVCKY ENGINEER. MELBOURNE, June 21. The captain of the Australia states that the pilot wished to give the order "full speed astern" whim the vessel struck, but he declined. The chief engineer was off duty when the accident happened, though he immediately rushed to the engine room, the water being up to his waist. One of the check valves was not turned off, and in ofiler to reach it the chief engineer swam through at considerable risk and managed to turn it off. The Lascar lirenien made their escape as soon as the water began to rise, but they and the remainder of the coloured crew on the whole i>ehaved coolly and well. (Received June 21, 10.15 p.m.) MELBOURNE, June 21. The weather is fine and the sea smooth, the Australia's position 'remaining unaltered. Discharging cargo into lighters is proceeding. The whole of the parcels mails were recovered in good condition. (Received June 22, 1.9 a.m.) MELBOURNE, June 21. The captain, officers, and the Lascar division of the crew ixnnain on lyoard the Australia. Arraignments >are Ifeing made to send the crew home by the next outgoing steamer. Many local insurance companies have small lines on the cargo, but the bulk is held by Lloyd's in London. It is believed a considerable portion is damaged. J The company's report states that the vessel appears doomed. SALVAGING CARGO. MELBOURNE. June 21. The loss of the Australia will not nterfere with the Peninsular service. Arrangements have been made to lill the vacancy, Estimates of the value of the cargo range from £15,000 to £2S,'H)O, including 70 tons for New ZeaU id. Salvaging operations were commenced to-day. The Murine Surveyor considers the Vessel will hang together some weeks if the weather remains line, but will soon go to pieces otherwise. The Government Astronomer predicts storms. LOSS OP A BARQUE. LONDON, June 20. The buijque CuiriLrinn Warrior, j from Liverpool to Fremantle with a : cargo was wrecked on tlu* Brazilian coast. STEAMER SUNK AT ANCHOR. ADELAIDE, June 20. The coastal steamer Jessie Darling sat, on her anchor and sank. The crew are safe. Insurances, in a N'ew Zealand office, were £2OOO.