ON THE ROCKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 June 1922, Page 5

ON THE ROCKS.

WRECK OF THE RONA. EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES. COURSE STRAIGHT FOR BEACON. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. The bow of the steamer Rona appears to be firmly wedged in the centre of the Flat Rock, near Kawau, and is tilted up only a little. There is a depth of no less than eighteen fathoms under the stern, and as a safeguard against slipping back the engines are kept running at from half to full speed ahead. Immediately in front of the steamer, in a straight line, is the beacon, still blinking mockingly, which instead of serving its intended function of salvation, lured its victim into the snares of wicked, long low rocks. The Rona, it is apparent, ran straight at the light; there is,' indeed, but twenty or thirty feet separating them, and until an inspection is made, from the bow itself it would appear, standing on the deck further back, to be quite easy to stretch out a hand and touch the lighthouse structure. The pinnacles on the rock are not high, and at low tide the highest, near the base of the lighthouse, appear to be only about nine feet out of the water. The Rona was being driven along at full speed (ten knots) when she crashed into the rocks. It is understood Captain Wallis had left the bridge seventeen minutes before, the chief officer (Mr. Grantley) remaining. The effect of the impact was more severe in some portions of the ship than others. Some of the crew who were seated in the saloon and cabins state that the bump was not particularly severe, but those standing in other parts of the vessel were thrown violently forward. In the engineroom the shock of the collision was very acute, and for a few moments the men had difficulty in keeping their feet. No damage was done to the machinery. The order was immediately given to stand by the after lifeboats. These were slung out quickly, and in the meantime the forward end was examined, it being found there was a lot of water in No. 1 hold, but the vessel appeared to be firm on the rocks. It is hoped the removal of cargo from No. 2 hold will have the effect of bringing the bow well out of the water and facilitating flotation. The danger is lest the water in No. 2 hold should rise above the watertight bulkheads, which end 12 feet below the main deck and leave the shelter deck open from end to end. Before any cargo was transferred the bulkhead between Nos. 1 and 2 holds and the lower hold hatches in No. 1 hold were seI curely fastened down to prevent water flowing from the fore part of No. 2 hold. A collision mat taken down by a party from H.M.S. Philomel will be used to prevent any more water entering the holds. Providing the report of the diver is favorable, a great deal will depend on the weather, as even a moderate gale would probably disturb the position of the Rona, which is naturally exposed. The ship’s crew numbers 52, the officer ■> being: Captain J. Wallis; first officer C T. Grantley; second. E. S. Stafford; third, W. Balharry; first engineer, J. Morrison; second, IV. Matthews; thirii T. W. Wolfe; fourth, W. Freeman; fifth, G. Dempster; wireless operator. A. N. Wickham; chief steward, S. Russell; purser. H. L. Moorhouse; assistant, R. Mowatt.

Two lighters sent to remove sugar from the Rona’s No. 2 hold returned to port at 5 o’clock this evening, and the other vessels sent to-day are expected to return in the morning with the work completed. A wireless from the Rona just received states that the vessel could float now, but t more cargo will be discharged to ensure sufficient buoyancy- It is expected the vessel will be refloated on Thursday. The weather continues fine. Divers will inspect the vessel to-morrow.