Runic In “Grave Danger

Press, Volume C, Issue 29444, 21 February 1961, Page 18

Runic In “Grave Danger

(NJZJ’A.-Keuter— Copyright) | SYDNEY. February 20. Eighty seamen stood by the lifeboats today as heavy seas pounded the British cargo ship Ranlo (above) on Middleton Reef. Shipping authorities In Sydney said the 13,857-ton freighter was “tn grave dancer.** The 6000-ton cargo ship Brighton “felt her way” cautiously through treacherous waters to the Runic and stood by the ship. The Brisbane tug Fearless, with a crew of 15, ha* been steaming at eight to 10 knots towards the Runic since 10 p.m. yesterday, and another

big tug is expected to leave Sydney later today. A Royal Australian Air Force Neptune bomber Is ready to leave the Richmobd base. New South Wales, if needed. The ship ran aground in bad weather early yesterday, and her bow is fast in the reef. The reef is a coral outcrop , in the Pacific, about 350 miles . east-south-east of Brisbane. 800 miles north-east of Sydney, and 120 miles north of Lord Howe Island. The Runic is owned by the i Shaw Savili Line, and was on i her way to New Zealand to I load cargo after having un- ■ loaded at Brisbane.

She is not carrying passengers. r The general manager of the s line in Sydney (Mr W. D ] Donaldson) said today that the f Runic’s plight was "serious. “The ship ran head-on 1 against the reef.” he added, i “but the danger now is that she is tending to turn broadj side on to the reef.” he said. « Mr Donaldson said latest (. messages from 4he ship indi- - cated that the weather was f moderating. He said the Brighton would e take off any members of the i Runic’s crew not needed for > the salvage operation. Officers - and engineers would remain on the Runic.