SALVAGE OF FREIGHTER

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28794, 15 January 1959, Page 8

SALVAGE OF FREIGHTER

Swell Hampers Work

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, January 14. An effort to secure necessary salvage equipment to refloat the Norwegian freighter Golden Master will be made in the next few days. Rough weather delayed operations last night, but the high-pressure pumps were able to work to capacity today in the flooded holds. No attempt was made today to move the ship, which is still firmly embedded in the sandbank off. Matakana Island where she was beached on Saturday. The operation will probably be delayed for several days at least until the weather moderates further. Although there was a temporary easing in the weather today it later became overcast, and a heavy swell hampered work. Concern is felt in Tauranga lest a north-easterly blow foils any salvage attempt by bringing the ship broadside on to the island. Arrangements are being made by the salvage engineers to send out two more heavy anchors to hold the ship’s stern at right angles to the beach while they build up the number of salvage pumps The lines on the stern anchors were stretched taut after last night’s storm, when winds reached 30 knots. The blow delayed the pumping work, but the Golden Master rode the storm well.

More hoses, including two large flexible pipes, have been ordered, and will be sent out to the ship early tomorrow morning. Extra pumps are also being secured. At 7 o’clock tonight the ship was riding easily in a gently rolling swell. She had a slight list to starboard, but did not appear to have moved from her original position.