The Triumph Disaster.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4656, 6 December 1883, Page 2

The Triumph Disaster.

Yesterday's Auckland Star states:— " The s.s. Waitaki, which left for the Triumph last evening, attempted to tow the vessel off at high water to-day with a degree of success that is very encourag* ing. Captain Crawford, having dropped anchor a short distance astern of the. Triumph, passed a strong hawser on board, and a good pressure of steam having been got up, he ordered the engines " full speed ahead." Meanwhile the captain of the Triumph had not been idle. The twokedges which had been run out aft were made fast to two steam winches and a good strain placed upon them. This, with the steady towing by the Waitaki, soon made an impression on the Triumph, and she was observed to move astern to some distance, which Captain Brotherton estimates at six feet. There' appeared no immediate prospect of getting the vessel further off the rocks, so further efforts were postponed till this evening. The engineer of the Triumph, accompanied by Mr Gouk, arrived in town last evening, having come up for the purpose of obtaining certain necessary appliances which will be required in another attempt which is to be made to get the steamer afloat. They secured a number of pipes, which are to be utilised in connecting the refrigerating apparatus with the fore hold so that it can be pumped full of air, and they left for the vessel in the steamer Blanche shortly before noon. Workmen were busily employed all to-day in making the decking which has been laid down over the forehold as secure as possible, and it was also intended to coyer it with a coating of cement, which wbuld greatly assist towards making it air-tight. The pipes having been laid in the hold and connected with the refrigerator, the engineer proposed to pump the apartment full of air, which would, of course, drive the water out of the hold and lift her up. At the same time the two kedges, which are lying out astern, will be hauled upon by means of the machinery on board; and it is anticipated that the effort will prove successful in removing the vessel from her most dangerous position. The attempt is to be made at high-water tonight.

Messrs L. D, Nathan have received an answer to the cablegram which they sent to Lloyd's in England, iaforming them of the action of the local agents (Messrs Brown, Campbell and Co.) in refusing to take over tbe vessel. Particulars, however, are refused us, but so far as we can ascertain the reply has caused no alteration whatever, in the position of affairs concerning the vessel.