WRECK OF A SCHOONER.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4142, 18 June 1892, Page 3

WRECK OF A SCHOONER.

Nairow Escape of the Crew. (PEESfI ASSOCIATION,) Gisborne, Juno 17. The schooner Awarua struck this afternoon on a reef off Tuamotu Island, one of the points of Poverty Bay. The schooner left Gisborne this morning for Auckland, and lay bocalmed in the Bay for several hours, A slight breeze springing op tho anohor was weighed and sail set, but steering way could not be got on, and in'attempting to go about the vessel got iu dangerous proximity to the raef. The anchor was dropped, and signals for assistance being made, two steam launches set out to the vessel in distress, but arrived ten minutes' too late. A heavy swell wbb running in, and the cable parting, the Anaroa was soon amongst the breakers, which swept over the vessel, Holes were smashed in her bottom, and as she was knocking about very much, it is thought the ship will not hold together long. A difficulty was experienced in getting the crew of four men ashore. A line was floated through the breakers to some Maoris on the beaob, and the sailors, holding on to this, came 1 through the surf, being much hooked about. Practically none of their effects were saved, The schooner was in charge of Captain Urquart, who had with him men named Botts, Seerofield and Erickson. It is not known what insurances are on the vessel, whioh is owned by Messrs Harding, Hall and Skeet, of Gisborne. LaTEB. The sohooner Awaroa is a total wrtck, having been considerably smashed up during the night, The vessel'was sixty tons register, and was not insured.