LACHLAN SAILING TO AID ROYALIST

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30899, 4 November 1965, Page 3

LACHLAN SAILING TO AID ROYALIST

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, November 3.

The Navy survey ship Lachlan will leave Auckland tomorrow to rendezvous with the disabled cruiser Rovalist.

A Defence Department spokesman said the Lachlan would stand by the Royalist.

“It will be useful to have Lachlan alongside,” the spokesman said. She could transfer stores and water to the cruiser if needed.

The Royalist was forced to shut down her engines yesterday about 80 miles south of Guadalcanal because of severe salt water contamination in her boilers.

The Lachlan js at present on survey duties in the Hauraki Gulf. She will reach Auckland tonight, refuel and sail early tomorrow.

She is expected to join the Royalist early next week. The Royalist is being towed by the Royal Navy survey ship Dampier.

The Carlock, the largest ocean going tug in Australia, left Brisbane last night to take over from the Royal Navy ship. The Carlock is expected to reach the Royalist early on Saturday. Tow To Port The Minister of Defence (Mr Eyre) said today that the cruiser would have to be towed to port for repairs. Although no decision had been reached on where the Royalist would be taken, the ship might be towed to an ' Australian port, Mr Eyre said, j The Defence Department ’ spokesman said an urgent dej cision was not necessary. “We have until Saturday, when the Carlock reaches the I cruiser, to make the choice of | ports,” he said.

The decision would depend on an assessment of repairs needed to make the Royalist seaworthy, the repair facilities available at various ports, and their cost.

These factors have also to be related to the cost, length and period of the tow. The Royalist, which is on loan from the Royal Navy.

will be withdrawn from service with the Royal New Zealand Navy early next year. When the engine trouble struck on Tuesday the ship was returning to Auckland from her final Far East cruise. She was due in Auckland on November 12. The breakdown was likely to delay the Royalist’s arrival in New Zealand by up to three weeks, Mr Eyre said. Not In Danger Mr Eyre said the cruiser would be in no danger while awaiting the arrival of the Carlock. It was well clear of land and had plenty of food. With rationing the fresh water on board would suffice. “The ship’s company has worked in trying conditions in an attempt to make repairs, but it is now evident that these can only be carried out with the assistance of shore maintenance,” Mr Eyre said. “We are at this moment establishing what repair facilities exist in a series of ports, and for that reason 1 cannot announce her destination.

“For the same reason I cannot announce the time when she will reach New Zealand or whether an airlift of the ship’s company is possible or would produce any benefit," he said. “I appreciate the desire of relatives of the ship's company to know when the ship is due home and I shall announce it as soon as possible.” Mr Eyre said.