ON THE ROCKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 June 1921, Page 5

ON THE ROCKS.

A BARQUE ASHORE. MISHAP TO THE BONA. THE CREW RESCUED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. x Wellington, June 27. The well-known barque Rona went on the rocks of the Steeples, a jagged reef inside Pencarrow Heads, just under Fort Dorset, about 11 o’clock last night. The Rona, which was under the command of Captain Airey, was apparently in trouble before entering the heads, and was seen to become almost unmanagable. She was “yawing” about in the heavy sea that was making up, caused by the heavy southerly that came up suddenly, The barque appeared to be sailing a zig-zag course when outside the heads. She came through the entrance safely, and, after apparently drifting in the channel, struck the Steeples bow on. Soon after the vessel struck) tugs proceeded over from the port, and one of them, holding the barque firmly by a line, prevented her grounding. Early in the morning the tugs reported that they were still holding the vessel safely. When the vessel struck there was some trouble about signalling. Every effort was made to get into communication with those on board, but apparently the latter were armed only with a small electric torch, and could not make the signals clear to the watchers.

An officer on the Komata stated that when abreast of the Pencarrow lighthouse those on board noticed a dim light from the Rona and believed it to be some sort of distress signal. The Komata went very close, but failed to get a satisfactory answer from those on board. It is thought possible the steering gear got temporarily out of order, for in passing the Komata nearly collided with the barque. Her efforts having proved futile, the Komata continued her voyage to Wellington. The principal light-keeper at Pencarrow got into communication with the signal station and the harbor authorities as soon as he saw the Rona and suspected trouble. He also communicated with the officer in charge at Fort Dorset. The men turned out immediately and the searchlight sweeping the vicinity round about the fort shortly after twelve o’clock located the barque. The tug Pelican arrived and made a cable fast to the stern of the floundering vessel, and was thus able to hold the ship from drifting round. The barque was about 300 yards from the shore and had an anchor out. It was ascertained that she was held fast by a jagged rock at the stern, and had begun to list tqwards the shore. The Rona had 1100 tons of coal on board, and was proceeding from Newcastle to Wellington. A stiff southerly is blowing. There is little water under the stranded Rona. At the best condition of the tide there is about twelve feet. Where she lies there is a nest of tooth-like rocks al! round. She is heading up the harbor, with her stern pointing to the open sea. The seas are not breaking over her.

At daylight tho tug Pelican went out and at some risk succeeded in taking off the ship’s company without mishap. The crew were brought to town and landed about 8 o’clock. The vessel was reported to be making water freely this morning. She is, however, on a fairly even keel, and as there is open water astern the chances of towing her off when the seas go down are fairly good.