Fog Warning Wanted On Patiti Reef

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30847, 4 September 1965, Page 16

Fog Warning Wanted On Patiti Reef

(From Our Own Reporter)

TIMARU, Sept. 3. The Patiti reef, south of the port of Timaru, where the wool ship Treneglos was stranded in November last year, is proving a hazard for Timaru’s fishing fleet, particularly in fog. The Rosalind scraped the reef three times when she veered off course inside the reef in thick fog on Thursday evening. The trawler, one of several returning to port, was helped by the Timaru Harbour Board’s land-based radar. The skipper of the Rosalind. Mr IL Watson, said that the boat was unable to get clear of the reef. Three courses were attempted, and the anchor was dropped. Then the Rosalind sat on the anchor, and the boat was

eventually guided into port by radar.

The fishing boat Susan, skippered by Mr J. M. Hunter, saw the light of the Rosalind There was no visibility, and he sought radar assistance for the Susan. Other trawlers are known to have grazed the reef, or come close to doing so, in recent foggy weather. The treacherous reef, about half a mile off shore, extends for about a mile and a-half. Mr E. Bayliss's trawler, May, passed over the reef and was stranded on the beach, opposite the Caledonian Ground, in 1957. She was a total loss.

Timaru fishermen, through their association, have been trying for years to have a fogwarning device installed, but their efforts have so far been in vain.