ENDEAVOUR LEAKING

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28973, 14 August 1959, Page 6

ENDEAVOUR LEAKING

Kaniere Goes To Aid

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. August 13. The Royal New Zealand Navy' frigate Kaniere sailed from Auckland at emergency notice this afternoon to go to the aid of the Antarctic supply ship, H.M.N.Z.S. Endeavour, reported to be leaking after striking heavy weather off Vitai Island, i nthe Fiji group. With the weather moderating, the 900-ton Endeavour, which has a W'ooden hull, is not believed to be in imminent danger. The Endeavour, which had been carrying out oceanographic work in the Pacific in an area some 900 miles north-east of New Zealand, had been severely buffeted in riding out a 72-hour gale which loosened her hull structure forward, and the vessel was making water, the Minister of Defence (Mr Connolly) said tonight. He added that the ship’s pumps were keeping the water level out of reach of the engine-room plates.

The Endeavour had changed course for New Zealand and was expected to meet the Kaniere about midnight tomorrow. A Sunderland flying-boat had also been sent to the area. According to a report received by the Minister at 7 p.m. the Endeavour’s pumps were functioning well, and the water intake was being maintained at earlier levels. The report also said that a light swell was running. The barometer was rising, and the forecast was for favourable weather for the next 24 hours.