SALVAGE CLAIM

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 255, 9 August 1946, Page 3

SALVAGE CLAIM

AMERICAN FARMER CASE STATEMENT BY CAPTAINS (N.Z. Press Association-Copyright.) (Rec. 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 8. Describing the seizure of the American Farmer by the American Ranger’s crew, John Edward Millers', captain of the Elizabeth, said: 91 shouted to the Ranger’s chief officer, ‘You’re not allowed to come aboard!’ He replied, ‘ Don’t you want help?’ ”

The captain added: “Meantime some Americans scrambled aboard. We could not stop them. Later the Ranger’s chief returned and shouted: ‘ll’ve orders from Washington to start the engines.’ The Americans cut down the flag, and the Ranger’s chief officer handed it back to me, saying, ‘ Here’s your flag. Now, into your boat and go to your ship.’ ” Members of the Elizabeth’s crew said the American boarding party hacked away two towropes, in spite of Captain Miller’s vigorous protests, and it was only under great pressure that Captain Millers abandoned the ship. Captain Oscar Johnson, master of the American Ranger, stated at. Falmouth that there was no trouble or violence when the men boarded the American Farmer. He said the flag was not struck until he was ready to proceed witli the ship—six hours after the chief engineer boarded to get- the engines running upon orders from D. A. Smith’s representative, of the United States Line. He added: “The flag was taken down and correctly folded.” Captain Johnson expressed the opinion that the Elizabeth could never have brought the ship to port.” That is why I hoarded her. I talked with the master of the Elizabeth and told him I merely wanted to take the ship, but he refused.” Captain Johnson said the Elizabeth had only four mooring lines, not towing lines, which were cut with a knife by the acting-bosun. Captain Johnson added that he was satisfied that after 22 hours the British ship was making no progress. “My propellers never moved for 22 hours, and the ship was still in the same position.” The. United States Line’s legal adviser said a writ had been issued by the Ministry of Transport against the owners of the American Farmer for salvage. The American Farmer entered Falmouth Harbour after battling against a heavy swell. She reached port under her own steam, but two tugs towed her through the narrow channel into the harbour.