SALVAGE OF HOLMGLEN

Press, Volume C, Issue 29674, 18 November 1961, Page 10

SALVAGE OF HOLMGLEN

Examination Of Wreck (N.Z. Prats Attoctotton) DUNEDIN. Nov, 17. An attempt will be made to raise the sunken coaster Hoknglen if an underwater examination of the ship is favourable. The Holmglen was lost with all 15 officers and crew almost two years ago. 22 miles east south-east of Timaru. She now lies in about 30 fathoms. Plans for a diving investigation and possible salvage have been outlined today by a Wellington engineer and salvage expert, Mr L. L. Gestro. Mr Gestro. while fully aware of the difficulties posed by weather and depth of water, said: “We are going to have a go. I will do everything I can to raise her.” Mr Gestro was a friend of Captain E. J. Regnaud, master of the Holmglen, who went down with his ship. After months of negotiation over salvage rights and planning, Mr Gestro expects to be in Timaru this weekend to make arrangements to examine the wreck. "Our present plans are to blow under the Holmglen with high-pressure air hoses to make way for cables under the hull,” said Mr Gestro. “It is intended to sink pressure chambers or ‘camels' alongside the hull. These will be made fast to the cables running under the ship. The Timaru Harbour Board had been most helpful during preliminary inquiries, said Mr Gestro. and the board had offered port facilities free of charge.