WRECK OF THE TASMAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 May 1921, Page 5

WRECK OF THE TASMAN.

OXPT AIN DESCRIBES THE

DISASTER.

VESSEL'S SUDDEN PLUNGE.

■CALM AMONGST PASSENGERS.

4y Telegraph.—Press Association. Whakatane, Last Night. The wrecked Tasman is in about 100 feet of water, and an inspection at sea this morning failed to find any trace of the ship or her cargo. “The steamer was going dead slow,” says the captain, “when a big bump was felt and the ship sheered off. I made an effort to reach the mainland with the ship, but the water rose so fast that we abandoned ship. Passengers felt the bump and heave, but they thought it was only an extra big wave. However, they were thrown into a state of excitement by the order to come on deck. They picked up what belongings they could and rushed up. When the order was given to man the boats everything worked smooth and the ladies behaved well. The boats were launched without mishap. The passengers were forbidden to take any luggage?’ The ship struck the eastern end of Raurimu reef, between which and Whale Island is a five mile passage 100 feet deep. The steamer headed for the mainland. At the back of the reef was a small bay, which, if the captain knew of it, might have been utilised to beach the ship, which sunk half-way between the reef and the mainland in about 100 feet of water. Twenty-four minutes elapsed from the time of striking to sinking. Apparently the ship struck head on against a. submerged side of the reef and sheered off.

The passengers and the crew are very appreciative of the efforts of public works employees to help to make the landing and in supplying a special train to take them to Matata, where everything was done for their comfort and a supply of clothes was secured.

As the boats cleared the steamer steam escaping from the safety valve created great noise, and then the ship plunged head down, disappearing from view.

A Dunedin message says that the Shipwreck Relief Society has instructed Captain Fleming, its Auckland representative, to reimburse the crew of the Tasman £lO each for the loss of their clothes.