THE TASMAN WRECKED.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 May 1921, Page 5

THE TASMAN WRECKED.

VESSEL SINES QUICKLY. NO LIVES LOST. By Telegraph--I’ress Association Gisborne, May 12. Inspector Cassels has been advised from Whakatane that the Northern Company’s steamer Tasman was wrecked at 4.30 this morning on Raurimu Island and sank within half an hour. The passengers and crew were all saved. Lifeboats with the passengers and crew reached Whakatane at 10.30. FULLER DETAILS. Whakatane, May 12. i The steamer Tasman, 179 tons gross,' 102 feet long, Captain Gregg, was wrecked on a submerged rock, part of the Raurimu reef, a long wall of ragged rocks extending from the mainland at Matata out to Whale Island, Bay of Plenty. Thd Scene of the wreck is about 20 miles from Whakatane. The accident occurred at the change of watch. The weather was squally and rainy. Four male and three lady passengers and the crew took to the boats. The ship disappeared in half an hour in deep water. The mails and ship’s papers were lost. The crew got ashore with only the clothes they had on. They reached Matata and found accommodation at the hotel and houses. The captain and crew have gone to Tauranga and the passengers are coming to Whakatane. The Tasman was 21 years old and had a full cargo at the 'time. The passengers reached the beach without mishap and had a five mile walk to Matata. Cars were sent out for the ladies and they and some of the others arrived at Matata at 9 a.m. There was a southerly wind, but the sea was calm at the time of striking, which was .4.10 a.m.. not 5.10.

The ship struck bow on but was backed off and attempted to steam ashore, but as it made water rapidly the crew took to the boats and had just got clear when it sank. The Tasman had previously hit a reef near the same place, but got off without any damage. The party in the boats tried to land at the outlet of the Ta.rawera. but were unable and headed along the coast. The Public Works drainage men were luckily at the spot where they landed and helped them ashore, otherwise landing was hardly possible. The Public Works ran an engine and a truck and carried the party to Matata and hence by motor-car to an hotel, where everything was done for their comfort. Two of the three ladies had no boots. Only two men had boots. All their effects were lost. The passengers arrived at Whakatane at midday and the crew are at Matata awaiting orders. Local business men are heavy losers owing to the loss of the cargo.