SALVAGE FEAT

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23718, 17 August 1942, Page 6

SALVAGE FEAT

SHIP AND CARGO SAVED

TUG’S 2000 MILES TOW (0.C.) SYDNEY, July 29.

One of the greatest towing feats achieved by a single tug in the Southern Hemisphere has been completed with the arrival of a large cargo ship in an Australian port. The vessel had been sunk by enemy action in a northern port. It was raised and towed more than 2000 miles. The salvaging of the cargo and the raising of the ship were done in constant danger from air raids. The Commonwealth Salvage Board raised the vessel with the assistance of the naval captain of the port. The work was supervised by Captain J. P. Williams, Chief Commonwealth Salvage Officer, who earlier in the war recovered £2,370,000 worth of gold for the Bank of England from the steamer Niagara, mined off the New Zealand coast.

All cargo from the freighter was recovered undamaged shortly after the sinking. This was done by one of the board’s principal divers. Because of the risk of air raids during the day the diver worked all night in darkness in 40 feet of water. A tug was sent from Sydney to bring the vessel south. Narrow channels had to be navigated, with no coastal lights for guidance. Strong tides and winds also increased difficulties.

Fifty-two enemy aeroplanes were seen one day during the tow, and 40 another day. The average speed during the trip was three knots. The trip south took 37 days. It is hoped to put the salvaged vessel into commission again shortly.