SHIP IN DANGER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 104, 4 May 1936, Page 9

SHIP IN DANGER.

CUMBERLAND PUTS TO SEA. WAVES CRASH ON DECK. (By Telegmph.—Press Association.) NI3W PLYMOUTH, Sunday. Caught by the full force of the cyfclonic gale that swept the port of New Plymouth early on Saturday the Federal steamer Cumberland was torn from her moorings at the Newton King wharf and carried seawards. The prompt release of her anchors averted a disaster.

For more than two hours the vessel strained at her aneliojj chains while steam was being raised. The deputy harbourmaster, Captain F. L. Hay, boarded the vessel and, displaying magnificent seamanship, piloted the ship stern first across the treacherous swell" sweeping roilTO the end of the breakwater and across the harbour mouth. On reaching the open sea the Cumberland's troubles had only begun. The cyclonic storm, beyond the shelter of the shore, developed an greater intensity, and the ship was lashed unmercifully. The crew described the seas as "mountainous," and the worst they had ever experienced. In the hurry to leave port, time had not permitted the crew to make everything shipshape on deck, and when the vessel returned to port this morning a tale was told of a severe battering. Damage was caused to deck fittings, and at times, with waves crashing over the deck, there was anxiety for the safety of the ship.

The Cumberland steamed slowly in circles to await an abatement of the storm. When she returned to port at 10 a.m. to-day the storm was over, the gale had dropped to a breeze and the sea had' flattened out.

The sliip will complete loading tomorrow and sail for Auckland on Tuesday morning.