STRANDING OF THE KAIPARA

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2715, 21 January 1910, Page 5

STRANDING OF THE KAIPARA

THE INQUIRY. [Pur Risers Associatisn.] AUCKLAND, Jan. 20. Captain W. J. Reed, of Auckland, and Captain C. F. Post, of! the Government steamer Tutanekai, have been appointed assessors at the inquiry into the stranding of the steamer Kaipara in Rangitoto channel. SALVAGE OPERATIONS. Salvage operations in connection with the Kaipara are progressing satisfactorily. The vessel is now off the bottom. The pumps are keeping the water in. check. A mat 70ft long and 2ft wide, /placed over the hole, has proved effective. One orifice- existed in the hull lower than the divers, were able to locate it. Through this the water rushed when the pumps got to work, but it has now been plugged. The Terawhiti’s pumps are throwing 15.000 gallons or water an hour, ccpiug with the inflow. Both holds are free to the second deck. The centrifugal pump from the Terawliiti and the pulsometer will be fixed. These are expected to make short work of the water. THE VESSEL RE-FLOATED AND BEACHED. The Kaipara was beached in Hobson Bay this evening. At low tide she is aground both fore and aft. After being re-flo'ated sbe came to Hopson Bay under easy steam, and with the pumps going to keep the water down. Further investigation lias made today regarding the rock ami shoal in the fairway. It is described as a hard patch, about 40ft square, surmounted by e. pinnacle. It null probably be a week yet- before aft tbe cargo is removed and the Kaipara docked. The nautical inquiry is to open on Februarr 2Sth.