RESCUE BEGINS

Taranaki Daily News, 2 June 1922, Page 5

RESCUE BEGINS

LIKE OH TO WRECK. FOUR MEN LANDED. ALL THE OTHERS SAFE. "WRECK BREAKS IN TWO. A line is now ashore from the wrecked liner Wiltshire on the Great Barrier, and four men were landed last night. Ninety-nine men remaining on board are safe, well sheltered, and fully provisioned for the night. Rescue operations will be resumed this morning. The vessel has broken in two, and the crew are gathered on the forepart, which is stuck hard, in spite of B rough sea. This news, received at eight o’clock last night, renewed hope after an earlier message from the postmaster at Coromandel stating that it was not thought possible to save the lives of the crew. Rescue parties, including naval men, are now on the scene, and the prospects of rescue are considered good. The Auckland Star’s correspondent telegraphed at 1.45 yes* terday afternoon: “-The Wiltshire has broken in halves, and the stern has disappeared. The bow is still out of water, crowded with people. It is a most fearful scene.” THE LATEST NEWS. LINE DRIFTED ASHORE. OTHERS SAFE ON BOARD. VESSEL FAST ON ROCKS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. A Her all reporter sends a wireless message from the Katos, stating that the Katoa’s boatswain, who has returned overland from the wreck, reports that the crew drifted a line ashore and landed four men before darkness. Ninety-nine men are left on board in the forepart, well sheltered and fully provisioned for the night. The bow is apparently settled firmly on the rock, despite breaking waves. There were no casualties on board. The rescuers are awaiting daylight and H.M.S. Philomel’s breeches buoy to land the remainder. Some of the party proceed in the tug to the wreck at dawn, while the remainder will assist in landing the survivors. PROSPECTS FOR RESCUE. HOPES FOR SUCCESS CRIES OF SURVIVORS HEARD. ATTEMPT TO SWIM ASHORE. Wellington, Last Night. The Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department received the following message from the postmaster at Coromandel at 8 p.m.: “Tryphena reports that a line is now ashore from the wreck. Four men have been landed. There are still a hundred on board, but the prospects of rescue are considered good.” The Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department received the following further message at 8.49 p.m.: “The Kato a reports that on the Wiltshire all hands are safe on board. Four men have been landed. Resuming operations in the morning with a paval party.” An earlier message stated it was considered useless for a seaplane to attempt The Moeraki left Auckland at 1 p.m. for the scene with a rocket apparatus for assistance. Cries can be heard by the watchers on the high cliffs Jhbove the vessel. Eye-witnesses say the pcene is fearfully heartrending. ■ One man attempted to swim ashore with ft line, but enormous seas were running fend the attempt was abandoned. A message sent at 3.40 p.m. states the Wiltshire is a total wreck. The crew is still on the forepart, and the sea is very rough. It is hoped to get the rocket apparatus overland by to-morrow morning. The Katoa’s party are now on shore opposite £he wreck. BROKEN IN TWO. Wellington. June 1. The Secretary of the Post Office has kece.ved the following from Auckland: The Katoa report* at 1.30, the Wiltshire had broken in halves. A later message states that the Wiltshire is east of Rosalie Bay in a very wild spot with inaccessible cliff-. The steamer has broken in two and the stern has disappeared. The crew* appear to be on the forward half, which as still on the rocks. There is no chance of rescue, except A i* ruanin