FOUNDERING OF THE S.S. TAUPO.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1378, 3 May 1881, Page 2

FOUNDERING OF THE S.S. TAUPO.

The p. 8. Taupo foundered off Karewha Iskud, Bay of Plenty, on Friday afternoou while in tow of the s.s. Wellington, en route to Auckland. The Herald gives the following: account of the disaster : — There was a, light easterly wind, and the water was smooth. A man stood by the tow-lines on boaid the Wellington, armed with an axe the whole time, ready to cut them asunder should it have been seemed necessary at any time. On the Taupo all went on smoothly enough till between 8 and 9 o'clock, one pump being kept going about half-time. The first -warning they had of a leak was a few minutes after S, then it was ascertained that the water was gaining in the hold. Then both pnmps were set going, but eventuilly it was found that all efforts were ineffectual in decreasing the water. At last matters became so serious that a signal was given to stop towing, the lines were thrown off by the people on board the Taupo, and preparations were made for leaving. The men beat a precipitato retreat to the boat, leaving Mr Gouk, Mr Greenleaf, and Mr Charles Clark on board. When the Taupo ceased moving ttnovigh the sea, the water in her hohl remained stationary for some time, but after a while began again. When the Taupo signalled to cease towing Mayor Island bore N.E. \ N. That was the first warning the Wellington had that anything was wrong, and Captain Farquhar was astonished to be told within a quarter ot an hour afterwards that the ship was sinking, and to send a boat for the crew. A boat was at once lowered, but hardly had she touched the water when the boat from the Taupo came alongside containing the crew and engineers. The Taupo having let go the warps the Wellington could not back up until these were hauled in, otherwise they might have become entangled with her propeller. Then she steamed alongside, but eventually kept off about 200 yards, and remained there till the Taupo sank The Taupo was abandoned at 8. 20, but did not sink until 9.40. Tins was an appalling sight, and made the blood of the spectators nm cold. Men who have spent a lifetime on the sea say they wish never to witness such a sight again. She went down stern first. Sho bogan settling down aft very slowly, increased giaduully, and finally rapidly, until shestood right on end, about forty feet above water, and her keel was plainly visible. Then there was a frightful screaming of wind through the ventilators and hatches, and ci ashing of timber, as if the decks were breaking up. The bursting ot the boilers, extinguishment of fiies, and escape of steam aKo added to the ghastliness of the occasion. When bolt upright, she remained stationary for a moment, rose, then sank, never to iioat again. When going down there was heard a most unearthly sound, li c a shriek, which struck terror into the hearts of thohe who heard it. It has been aptly compared to the roar of a dying whale. Some consternation existed on board the Wellington at this time. A cry was raised, ''The ship is sinking," and ladies awakened thereby rushed on deck m great trepidation, thinking that the Wellington was meant. She floated safely a short distance from the whirlpool seated by the disappearance of the Taupo. She then steamed on, and arrived in port at 2 o'clock.