SEAMAN CRUSHED BY ICE

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28447, 29 November 1957, Page 22

SEAMAN CRUSHED BY ICE

Japanese Vessel Puts In To Gisborne (New Zealand Press Association) GISBORNE, November 27. “An accident has occurred. I require a doctor.’’ This dramatic flag message was exchanged this morning between the Japanese fishing vessel Ahihiro Tsushime and Mr W. Davison, officer in charge of the Gisborne signal station. The Japanese ship of 250 tons had interrupted a voyage to call at Gisborne to land a seaman in need of medical attention. The ship left Tokyo 25 days ago bound for the vicinity of the Marlborough Sounds on a fishing voyage. The injured man, Tokuhachi Azamaya, was crushed by a fall of ice in the hold of the ship. He was admitted to Cook Hospital. The accident occurred four days ago. Mr M. Grant, who served with the New Zealand Force in Korea offered his services to the Customs Department in an effort to ascertain the names of the crew. The vessel has a complement of 27 including the captain, said Mr Grant, who added that the ship has the latest radar methods of locating fish. The ship carried little first aid equipment and no doctor. Apparently little had been done to relieve the man’s pain before the vessel reached port. On her arrival, the ship was met by Dr. M. Scott who examined the injured man. Mr Azamaya is believed to have a broken pelvis, a fractured spine, and multiple internal injuries. He is reported to be paralysed from the waist down. He will be operated on tomorrow.