Attempt To Salvage . Phosphate Ship Fails

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28795, 16 January 1959, Page 10

Attempt To Salvage . Phosphate Ship Fails

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, January 15. The attempt to salvage the Norwegian freighter, Golden Master, stranded near the entrance to Tauranga harbour, took a critical turn this afternoon .when the stern anchor line parted as the bow was being raised. The loss of the anchor put the vessel in grave danger of being driven up the beach, and the two forward holds, which, had been pumped partly free of water, were immediately reflooded. This drove the bow of the vessel back into the sand in about five fathom? of water. At the same time, the ship’s engines were started up to stop her from swinging broadside to the beach.

Tonight the Golden Master was maintaining her position, and appeared to be out of immediate danger. There was a moderate swell, but the wind was off shore. The ship’s engines are driving ahead to keep the bow firmly embedded in the sand and prevent, her from slewing around. It is vital to salvage operations that the ship be not driven further up the beach.

Two heavy anchors were ruSheid to Mount Maunganui from Auckland today. An attempt will be made tomorrow iporning to lay them astern of the sh’n. More pumping gear from Rotorua, Taupo, and Kawerau will also be sent out to the ship from Mount Maunganui. The rear anchor line parted when the attempt to raise the Golden Master appeared to be within an ace of success. Fourteen light iectc pumps, each capable of handling 500 gallons a minute, had been taken on board in the morning and put into action alongside the high-capa-. city pumps already installed. The ejector pumps had been rushed to Mount Maunganui from Wellington by /the Fire Services Council. With them came the Chief Fire Officer for New Zealand (Mr T. A. Varley). At 4 p.m. the No. 2 hold was almost free of water, and the stern of the ship had settled well down into the water. I is believed that the anchor line parted when it took the full weight of the ship as her bow lifted from the sand. Attempt to Lay Anchor Earlier in the day, an attempt had been made to lay a second anchor from the stern, but the trawler with the anchor on board had to turn back because of choppy seas. The ship’s water supply is running low, and she has been appealing for fresh water to be sent out. • Two more high-capacity pumps have arrived from Wellington, and will be taken on board as soon as pipe fittings can be duplicated

by Ministry Of Works engineart at Mount Maunganui. It is believed" that exhaust fumes from pumpa in the holds were becoming dangerous to crew members and salvage workers below decks. Oxygen cylinders were taken out to the- ship today. Tug From Auckland ' The new 420-ton Auckland Harbour Board tug Aucklander will leave for Tauranga as soon as possible tomorrow to assist. A larger crew will be signed on, stores necessary for a see voyage will be obtained, and the tug bunkered. Heavy towing gear will also be stacked on board. An urgent request was made te the Auckland Harbour Board, the Navy and the Auckland bridgecontractors for a large pump with a capacity of 3600 gallons a minute. The pump would also have to be able to pump water- to a height of 30ft. A pump of these requirements was not available, and the Aucklander may sail without this gear. The tug’s trip to Tauranga will take about 12 hours travelling at full speed of 12 knots. The master of the Aucklander (Captain T. C. pouglas) said ho would probably sign on a crew of about 20 men.