The Patea Co-operative Freezing Company's steamer Waitangi, which was used to transport Taranaki meat, ran on to the rocks on the western side of Patea mole on May 5, 1923. Patea resident Jim Baird said that the raw elements exposed the wreck every few years.
The grounding 87 years ago cut significant holes in her hull and the Waitangi was immediately deemed a wreck. There was much debate through the years about whether she should be removed from the beach or left to rust.
Over time the wreck prevented sand being blown over the wall into the Patea River.
She gradually disappeared from sight as the beach rose higher.
A heavy westerly exposed her in July 1937 and again in July 1978 but the sand quickly claimed her. Built in England in 1889, the Waitangi was 120 feet long, 171 tonnes and had a top speed of 12 knots.
She was purchased by the Patea Co-operative Freezing Company in 1919.
14 comments:
that is so interesting...great photos...
Fantastic captures and something unique too..! Thanks for sharing..!
Goodness these photos bring back memories of my childhood. I saw this wreck on the beach as a child, must have been in the 70's when it was exposed.
Fascintating photos! Thanks for passing by my blog :)
Fantastic find & photo's - you must have been amazed when you came across it. thanks for sharing...so cool.
xoox
Amazing shots! Thanks for sharing.
Great shots and a very interesting story.
What a fascinating wreck to photograph! I have always found shipwrecks to be so interesting, and the stories that go along with them. Thank you so much for sharing this one with us.
Happy Outdoor Wed!
XO,
Sheila :-)
Very cool, love your pictures!
Wow very interesting. Great pictures.
Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com
so interesting and great photography
What sad photos. The desolation and possible loss of life are left in rotting steel.
Amazing find!
Joyce M
wow nice pics, I have to check this place out some day :)
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