Today in New Zealand *Disasters* History 11th April

[JennyLeez]

THE SINKING OF THE TAIAROA
SUNDAY 11 APRIL 1886

The steamer Taiaroa, bound from Wellington to Lyttelton, Akaroa and Dunedin went ashore near the Clarence River on Sunday 11 April 1886 during sudden heavy weather.

The Taiaroa carried 48 persons – 20 passengers (4 women and 16 men including a child) and 28 crew (including a stewardess). The four lifeboats were launched but only one made it to shore safely. All 11 persons onboard the Captain’s lifeboat made it safely ashore after sailing up the Wairau Rover and landing at Blenheim. This group consisted of the Captain, seven crew and 3 passengers. Three other passengers made it ashore
One aspect of this tragedy is that of the 34 who were drowned, only nine bodies were ever recovered.

Further Reading:
Wreck of the s.s. Taiaroa

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