THE KOTUKU

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 276, 18 May 1912, Page 5

THE KOTUKU

WRECKED AT GREYMOUTII. By Telograph—Press Association. Greymouth, Friday. The Union Company's steamer Kotuku went ashore at 11 o'clock last night on North Tip Head, and is a wreck. She had loaded coal and timber for Tiinaru and Dunedin.

LITTLE HOPE OF SALVAGE. Wellington, Friday. The Post Office lias received advice that the Kotuku's propeller was carried away. The engine-room is full of water and there is very little prospect of get- j ting her off. The crew are safe. Greyinouth, Later. The Kotuku, which was a boat of 662 tons net, was commanded by Captain John Christian, and was carrying 461 tons of State coal and 317,724 feet of timber. The night was very disagreeable, but there was very little sea on the bar. While proceeding down the river, the vessel struck the retaining wall, which, it is presumed, carried away her propeller, rendering her unmanageable. It is supposed that she then struck the submerged Hawea, as part of the Kotuku's bottom was ripped out. She then drifted over the bar and went ashore outside the North Tip Head, the head pointing shorewards. The captain and crew remained aboard all night, but as the sea was making in the morning came ashore, as evidence of the vessel's breaking up was visible. The captain was brought ashore in a state nf coma, and was sent to the hospital. The deck timber is now floating ashore, and the sea is breaking over the vessel, which is becoming a total wreck. ■RELIEVING THE SHIPWRECKED. Dunedin. Last Nicrlit. The secretary of the Shipwreck Relief Society received a telegram to-day stating that several members of the crew of the Kotuku required assistance, with regard to dry clothes, ete. A reply was spnt authorising the Mayor of Greymouth to draw on the society to the extent of £3 per ma*.