Aircraft Helps Burning Ship

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30764, 31 May 1965, Page 1

Aircraft Helps Burning Ship

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) SUVA (Fiji), May 30. A Sunderland flying-boat of the Royal New Zealand Air Force flew to the 8631-ton Greek freighter Eurymedon today, after fire had broken out on it 300 miles south of Suva.

The fire, which was later reported to have been put out, caused unknown damage. The ship’s master suffered burns but was reported in satisfactory condition.

Radio distress calls were picked up in Suva early today and the cable repair ship Mercury was sent to the scene. Radio contact later was lost. After trying for two hours to establish contact by Aldis lamp with the freighter, the R.N.Z.A.F. Sunderland dropped a sonar buoy near the ship, and made contact with the first officer. The first officer was able to speak to the Sunderland, flying above the Eurymedon, and it was learned the fire

was out and the condition of the captain was satisfactory. The captain was not identified. The Sunderland was not able to speak to the first officer as the buoy equipment is one-way. The freighter is on a voyage from Los Angeles to Geelong, Victoria. The Sunderland reported that the freighter was under way, making about 14 knots. They were expected to meet this afternoon. The Matson liner, Monterey, which had earlier been diverted, resumed her course from Noumea by way of Suva. The Eurymedon and the cable repair ship. Mercury, met soon after 6 p.m. (N.Z. time) today. The Sunderland, which escorted the freighter to the rendezous, returned to its base at Lauthala Bay.