Story: Search and rescue

Rescuing the crew of the Wiltshire

Two people suspended on wires high above a churning sea and rocks

On 31 May 1922 the steamer Wiltshire, en route from England to Auckland with 103 crew on board, ran aground on Aotea/Great Barrier Island. A radio distress call was received in Auckland, and vessels from the Union Steam Ship Company, Auckland Harbour Board and the navy went to the rescue. The Wiltshire had broken in two, and the crew were crowded into the hull, which was in danger of sinking. Because of the wild seas, it was impossible for boats to reach them. In the days before helicopters, the only feasible method of rescue was to set up a line between the ship and the shore. Eventually a rope from the Wiltshire was floated ashore and secured, and the crew were laboriously winched to dry land. The rescue was completed without loss of life, but not until two full days after the vessel had run aground.

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Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira
Reference: C3046

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick and Dan Clearwater, 'Search and rescue - Rescue equipment and techniques', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/13217/rescuing-the-crew-of-the-wiltshire (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick and Dan Clearwater, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 27 Jul 2023 with assistance from Dan Clearwater