SALVAGING OF WANGANELLA

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25092, 25 January 1947, Page 6

SALVAGING OF WANGANELLA

Improvement In Conditions EQUIPMENT PUT ON SHIP (P.A.) WELLINGTON, January 24. Slightly more hopeful prospects for the salvage of the Wanganella were indicated to-day by the Wellington manager of the Huddart Parker Company (Mr H. D. McLean). He said the position had improved slightly since yesterday, because the condition of the vessel had not deteriorated during the last 24 hours, the wind, although strong and severe on the tugs and servicing craft, was still northerly, and because equipment and staff to cope with the salvage were now more adequate. Mr McLean said that, after flying from Australia to-day, the well-known diver, Mr John Johnstone, of Melbourne, who won fame for salvaging gold from the Niagara, would reach Wellington to-morrow morning and go immediately to the Wanganella. Mr McLean said that additional equipment taken to the ship included six anchors and other necessary equipment. More equipment still would be put aboard if time permitted. By hauling on the anchors with its own power the Wanganella could assist materially the work of tugs. Efforts to save the ship were directed by Captain G. McDonald today. By nightfall the service of the 35 waterside workers employed were no longer required, but salvage experts remained on board the ship. It is understood that the equipment put on board to-day included detonators, gelignite, oxygen cylinders, and acetylene. No hauling by tugs was attempted to-day. During the morning operations a hemp hawser fouled the propeller of the tug Kahanui, which returned sluggishly to Queen’s wharf, where a diver examined the vessel. The tug was rendered fit for duty before the evening, but its crew enjoyed a much-needed night’s rest. The effects of the discharge of oil to lighten the Wanganella are not so severe as some people had anticipated. The oil is a volatile type used in Diesel engines. In contrast to heavy crude oil, it evaporates fairly freely. If many members of the crew of the Wanganella are. brought off the ship at short notice they will be accommodated in future at Shelly Bay.

SERVICES OF FAMOUS DIVER

MR J. JOHNSJONE FLOWN FROM AUSTRALIA

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 24. Following yesterday afternoon’s examination of the Wanganella, the Huddart Parker Company decided to engage the famous diver, Mr John Johnstone, of Melbourne, who won renown for his work during salvage operations on the Union Steam Ship Company’s Niagara, which was sunk by a mine off the north Auckland coast during the war. It is understood that Mr Johnstone was called for after Captain G. McDonald, marine underwriter and surveyor for the company, made an inspection of the Wanganella. Mr Johnstone arrived in Auckland <o-night and will airive in Wellington to-day. He said he was leaving all arrangements to the men in charge of the salvage operations. He had not brought any special equipment wjth him, but had made arrangements for such specialised tools as under-water cutting gear to be forwarded promptly from Sydney if required.