WAIPIATA GOES AGROUND

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27471, 4 October 1954, Page 10

WAIPIATA GOES AGROUND

MISHAP IN OTAGO HARBOUR TUG FAILS TO FREE SHIP (New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, October 3. The 2847-ton cargo ship Waipiata grounded on a sandbank in the lower reaches of Otago harbour yesterday morning. Tonight she was still firmly aground. When the ship stranded yesterday, the tug Dunedin was just completing her annual overhaul, and it was some time before she reached the Waipiata. The tide had fallen several feet, and an attempt to free the Waipiata had to be abandoned. Further efforts to free the ship failed today. A gale swept the harbour all day. It threw spray high into the air, and whipped up a considerable swell. Throughout the gale, the Waipiata remained absolutely steady, with her bow high and her stern well down in the water. She has a slight list to port. Though the ship is no danger at present, harbour board and UnionSteam Ship Company officials are concerned about the failure of repeated attempts to tug her free. Renewed attempts will be made tomorrow morning, when the harbour board’s dredge will also be used as well as the Dunedin. In a last attempt tonight, the tug was aided foy two launches, but the Waipiata remained firm. Yesterday the Waipiata was steaming up the harbour on her arrival from Timaru and other northern ports, and after passing between the islands grounded close to Sticking Point about 6.30 a.m. There was a thick fog at the time.