WRECK OF THE OCEAN QUEEN

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 210, 9 October 1909, Page 2

WRECK OF THE OCEAN QUEEN

AN EXTRAORDINARY AFFAIRMACHINERY BREAKS DOWN. VESSEL DRIFTS AHIIOUK. ENGINES JUST STAIVI'ICI) AK HIIK STRIKES A UICICK. SHIP SINKS IN DEEP WATEIL By Telegraph.—Prens Afl*o«faU<«i, Wellington, J*ihL Night. With reference to the wreck of tiw Norwegian steamer Ocean Queen un Makatea Island briully reported ]m>i night, it appears the vessel, which wiitf owned by Mr. Jacob Christoiwon, and commanded by Captain C. JohumiHcn, I left Papeete on the loth September for the island of Makatea, about lttO mile* to the north of Tahiti, for the purpo*-' of laying moorings for the Cie Franeaiu) des Phosphates de Oceanic. -tike arrived off the island about 10 o'clock the following inoruiug, and whilst proceeding abroußt of the reef that stands oil' Ihe northern count of the island, (he m-enlne rod of the ve* hoi's engines bent. IHore they were aide to ell'ecl repairs and disconnect the rod, Iho vessel was drilling dangerously near the reef. A stiff wind was blowing at the time, and after drifting for some distance the steamer at last crashed into the reef.

The engine* were just started as diw struck, and were working to "order ahead." but the ship was already fast on the reef.

All tlie passengers and crew were landed satcly, aud as the Ocean Queen took a heavy list to starboard about 2.30 p.m., the gale having shifted, she wa« abandoned at 0 p.m. The large buoy which she was carrying on the forcdeek slipped off the reef, and the vessel herself disappeared into 200 fathoms of wat ;\ Nothing was saved beyond the boats and one large mooring buoy, whhli broke from its lashings and was washed ashore.

Mr. J. F. Arundel (and party), who !# a director of both the French Phosphate Co. and the Pacific Phosphate Co., accompanied by his sister and two daughters, returned to Papeete in the Cholita. The crew was brought down by the auxiliary schooner Susan. Mr.. Arundel and party, together with Captain Johannsen and some members of the crew, proceeded to San Francisco by the Mariposa. The chief officer of the Ocean Queen (Mr. Schroeder) came to Wellington by the Ilauroto. and proceeded to Sydney by the Ulintaroa this evening.