THE RONA.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 June 1922, Page 5

THE RONA.

LIGHTERING PROCEEDING. DIVERS REPORT DAMAGE By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, June 28. A radio from the Rona this morning states that the sea is calm. The lightering of the cargo was proceeding all night from No. 2 hold. Later. A radio from the* Rona at 1.30 p.m. states that the wind is changing to northerly and there is a possibility of more wind and a rising sea. Divers report that the vessel is badly damaged below the waterline forward. HOPES OF* REFLOATING. ATTEMPT TO BE MADE. Auckland, Last Night. The weather to-day was all that could be desired for discharging the Rona, but the work was somewhat retarded owing to the shortage of lighters. The captain reports that an effort to refloat her will be made at 11 a.m. to-mor-row. If the weather continues fine, success is assured. The manager of the Sugar Company states that the reports give him every confidence. About 600 tons of molasses are being jettisoned from the Rona. A diver reports the hull is buckled from the stem to the middle of No. 1 hold, for a length of about 60 feet, extending upwards from the keel about 20 feet. Latest advice is that the wind is freshening from the north on the Rona’s starboard quarter, but is still moderate. To prevent the vessel moving, a tug is steaming to windward with a line from the Rona’s quarter. Progress to port will be slow, owing to the necessity of avoiding undue pressure. The cargo is valued at about £158,000.