STORM AND SALVAGE

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 181, 1 August 1936, Page 2 (Supplement)

STORM AND SALVAGE

TUG-BOAT ON FRENCH COAST. Many others, besides those to whom nil sea literature is welcome, will be fascinated by M. Roger Vcrcel's story, "Tug-Boat" (Chatto and Windus). The book clamours for comparison with Conrad, and emerges honourably from the test. M. Vereel takes as his theme the work of the "Cyclone," a salvage boat at Brest, and the hero, Renaud, is its captain. When the vessel is in port the crew live like members of a fire brigade—they overhaul their gear by day, and at night sleep lightly with their clothes carefully folded beside tliein. With a rising wind there often comes the expected 5.0.5., and immediately the shij) is under way, after which its seasick crew may work without sleep for days on end before the ship in distress is towed triumphantly into port.

The main part of the book deals fully with one such incident, in which courage, endurance, resource and great technical skill are necessary for the successful rescue. Ronaud's passionate devotion to his ship and his work comes into conflict with his private life and. indeed, this conflict of loyalties is an essential part of the amphibious existence of nil sailors. In this respect, though the sotting is entirely different, the book is markedly similar to Mr. R. M. Locklev's novel, "The Sea's a Thief." which was reviewed a few weeks ago in these columns. M. Yercel is sufficiently successful with his hand ling of life on shore to make one look forward to other works from his pen. Of his ability to write of the sea in all its moods, and to understand the minds of those who battle with it, there can be no doubt.