OCEAN QUEEN WRECK.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2629, 11 October 1909, Page 5

OCEAN QUEEN WRECK.

FURTHER PARTICULARS

t Per Press Association. I WELLINGTON, October 9. With reference to the wreck of the Norwegian steamer Ocean Queen on Matkaea Island, briefly reported on Thursday night, it appears the vessel, which was owned by Mr. Jacob Christenson, and commanded by Captain C. Johannsen. left Papeete on the loth September for the Island of Makatea, about 130 miles north of Tahitj, for the purpose of laying moorings for the Cie Francaise des Phosphates de Oceanie. She arrived off the island about 10 o’clock the following morning, and whilst proceeding abreast of the reef that stands off the northern coast of the island, the eccentric rod of the vessel's engines bent. Before they were able to effect repairs and disconnect the rods, the vessel was drifting dangerously near the reef. The engines wer just started when she struck, and were working to the __ order “Ahead,” hut the ship was aliei'lv fast, on the reef. All the passengers and crew were landed safely, and as the Ocean Queen took a heavy ust io starboard. about 2.30 p.m., the ga ; c lf.iing shifted,,she was abandoned. Ac- 6 p.m. the largo buoy, which she was carrvng on the foredeck slipped off on to the reef, and the vessel herself disappeared into 200 fathoms of water. Nqrim.g was saved beyond the boats and one large mooring buoy, which broke from its lashings and was washed ashore. Mr J T. Arundel (and party), who is a director of both the French Phosphate Company and the Pacific Phosphate Company, accompanied by his sister and two daughters, returned to Papeete in the Cholita. The crew was brought doivn by the auxiliary schooner Susan. Mr. Arundel and party, together with Captain Johannsen, proceeded to San Francisco by the steamer Mariposa. The chief officer of the Ocean Queen. Mr Schroeder, came to Wellington by the' Hauroto, and proceeded to Sydney by the Ulimaroa last evening.