SALVAGE OF THE CLANSMAN

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27990, 9 June 1956, Page 2

SALVAGE OF THE CLANSMAN

SHIP NOW ALONGSIDE WHARF INSPECTION TODAY BY DIVER (New Zealana P*ess Association) WHARATANE, /une 8. Divers using an aqualung will make an inspection of the. 230-ton motorvessel Clansman tomorrow afternoon, to find the extent of the damage suffered by the vessel the 36 days when, she was grounded on rocks at the Whakatane Heads. The Clansman was refloated this morning after strenuous efforts by a salvage gang under Mr F. Lowe, of Auckland. One fire brigade pump expelling 100 gallons of seawater each minute was sufficient to keep down the water level in the ship s hold as she lay alongside the Whakatane wharf. If the ship is a total loss be sold as such, but if the damage is not extensive the Clansman will be beached for repairs before being sailed to Auckland.

After the ship had been drawn clear of the rocks on to a .clean sandy bottom yesterday, preparations were made to take her up to the wharf on the morning’s high tide. At 2.30 a.m. the Whakatane Harbour Board pilot launch, Port Whakatane. was secured to the stern of the Clansman and began a steady pull. Helped by the rising tide, the stranded vessel swung clear into the channel at 4.30 a.m., and an hour later she had been drawn up the river, stern first, and tied up alongside the wharf.