PERSONAL RECORD MATTHEWS, RICHARD B. [THE SINKING OF THE “TAHITI”]

On a voyage from Wellington to San Francisco, the starboard tail shaft of the Tahiti broke, puncturing its hull. It sank two days later about 460 miles from Rarotonga. This amateur footage was shot by Richard B. Matthews who, with Hector B. MacQuarrie, was on board during their tour of the world in their baby Austin car “Emily”.

09:59 “At four thirty on the morning of August the 15th (ship’s time) the tail shaft carried away, leaving a gaping hole and the rush of water was so great that the desperate plan of baling had to be tried.”
10:35 “After forty hours of anxious vigil, the order came, All passengers to the boats - women and children first -
11:12 “Men followed, and soon all passengers were on the heaving ocean protected by the Norwegian freighter Panybryn who was now standing by.”
11:45 “The Ventura who appeared ten hours after the gallant Norwegian, generously offered the passengers accommodation.”
12:06 “Amongst the rescued were -”
12:53 “The closing scene begins the” Tahiti” fights desperately for life.”
13:24 “But the odds are too great; the ocean has gripped its prey!”
13:53 “With an almost human roar, the “Tahiti” makes her final plunge -”
14:08 “Leaving a desolate scene of wreckage and burning oil.”
14:27 The End.

See also related film F32964, AROUND THE WORLD IN AN AUSTIN SEVEN: AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND (EXCERPT)