SALVAGING OF WANGANELLA

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25091, 24 January 1947, Page 6

SALVAGING OF WANGANELLA

Statement From Company DAMAGE TO SHIP (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 23. In a statement to newspapers about the Wanganelia, the .Wellington manager of the Huddart Parker Company (Mr N. D. McLeanY said: “We are hopeful of saving the Wanganelia. Captain G. McDonald, marine underwriter and surveyor for the Huddart Parker Company, arrived in New Zealand by air and went on board today, and the direction of salvaging operations is in his hands. “The condition of No. 1 and No. 2 holds is beyond immediate repair. The holes are so large that even the powerful pumps available will not keep the water down. The bulkhead between No. 2 and No. 3 holds is holding well. There is very little sign of deterioration in No. 3 hold, which is practically free of water. Beyond that, there is a very powerful bulkhead protecting the engine room, and from that bulkhead aft, the Wanganelia appears as sound as a bell.

“A matter of the greatest importance is a continuation of fine weather which has been exceptionally favourable. Last night a southerly threatened for a time, but it did not develop. To-day was calm and we still hope for good weather. However, we have now two heavy anchors, backed by mushroom anchors, out at the stern, operated upon by the ship’s winches. “The important work is the lightening of the vessel. Some hundreds of tons of oil were pumped out yesterday and shore labour for two days has been removing as much as possible of the ballast from between decks. It consists in' the main of steel plates and concrete slabs. This will improve stability, and, we hope,..materially assist in withdrawing the vessel from the reef.

“It appears that a ledge runs between the rock near the bridge on the port side and the rock on the starboard bow, on which the vessel rests.

Use of Explosives/ “If the Wanganelia is hot removed earlier, and if fine weather continues, it is possible that explosives may be used to assist the refloating. _A naval expert in explosives ha_ been made' available by the Navy Department. Drilling equipment and explosives are available if required.” Mr McLean said the work would be continued throughout to-night. As soon as possible, all members of the crew -whose services were not required would be returned to Australia, he added. Life on the Wanganelia was proceeding almost in routine fashion, just sufficient of the steward staff being retained on board for requirements. The seamen had plenty to keep them occupied in salvage work, and there were now about 35 shore labourers on board.