Huia a Total Wreck

ON January 28, about two weeks previous to the stranding of Lautoka in Vila, the Suva-registered schooner Huia, which had been trading in the South Pacific for a year or so, went, up on a reef in Havannah Passage, at the south east corner of New Caledonia, in one of the approaches to Noumea harbour.

The vessel went aground in darkness, in heavy weather about two hours after dropping the harbour pilot. Radio calls were sent out but were not heard during the night.

When radio communication was established with Noumea the next day there were language difficulties, owing to the ship using English and Noumea an swering in French.

A French sloop, a tug-boat and an American minesweeper went to Huia’s aid; but her seams opened up and nothing could be done for her.

Later advice is that she broke her back and became a total wreck.

She was owned by Mr. N. W. Thomas, who acted as chief officer; her Master was Captain S. T. Neale.