FISHING BOAT WRECK

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27665, 23 May 1955, Page 12

FISHING BOAT WRECK

TRAWLER MAY BE SALVAGED

Details of the wrecking of the Greymouth crayfish boat Mamari in Bligh Sound on Thursday night were given by the master Mr J. Kelly in a radiotelephone conversation yesterday with his wife. He also spoke of his hopes that the trawler could be salvaged. The 53ft boat was moored fore and aft by wire ropes attached tq two large trees near the steep cliff face. A tremendous blow began and the boat either broke her moorings or uprooted the trees, Mr Kelly told his wife. The stern anchor dragged as the other moorings gave way. With her anchors gone the trawler drifted out and was then swept up on to the rocks by the heavy seas. The crew got ashore and the next morning returned to the wreck to salvage radio equipment which they set up ashore. The Bluff fishing vessel Ango picked up their signals and made for the sound.

The Mamari is worth about £lO,OOO and was built by Mr Kelly and his wife about five years ago. No estimate of the damage could be made, Mr Kelly said, but it is hoped that when thp tide recedes she may be left high and dry. Much valuable equipment, including a modern echo-sounder, was installed in the trawler. The catch of crayfish in the freezer on board will be a total loss. The trawler was insured.