FIRE IN HOLD OF COASTER

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31135, 11 August 1966, Page 1

FIRE IN HOLD OF COASTER

Calm Makes Speed For Timaru

The 787-ton coaster Calm, on her way from Wellington to Dunedin with general cargo, was making full speed for Timaru early this morning with a fire in her No. 2 hold. The ship sent out a May Day call just after 10.30 p.m. When the call went out it was estimated the ship was 53 miles east of Timaru, and at midnight she was reported as being 38 miles off the coast and making 11} knots. The Japanese freighter Awa Maru reached the coaster at 12.45 a.m. to accompany her to port. They were expected about 3 a.m. Timaru Harbour Board and Fire Board staff were standing by.

The Calm’s lifeboats had earlier been swung out, but there was no fear that they would have to be used. The ship is believed to be carrying a general cargo including some drums of oil as deck cargo.

All other ships, in- . eluding the inter- | island steamer, Wahine, were too far away to give assistance hut kept a radio | watch. The crew fought the fire In the hold, which was sealed The fire is believed to have started in a section of the 1

hold where oil drums are; [stored and. according to the ■master. Captain N. N. Mac-| kay, smoke from the fire; [smelt as if oil was burning. The Calm is carrying gen-| ieral cargo including wool. The crew jettisoned deck! cargo which included drums i of oil. The Timaru Harbourmas-; ter (Captain A. Grieve) was, in touch with the vessel a]

few minutes before 1130 p.m. The Calm was then 40 miles east of the port of Timaru and was expected to berth at No. 1 wharf extension at 3 a.m. Captain Gneve confirmed] that there was a fire in No. 2 hold, but said that it was| under control. “They are keeping the! hatches covered up in the [' hope of smothering the fire,”p | he said. ’ [ Captain Mackay reported ‘ that he was afraid to open 1 ; the hatches lest combustion ’ ! made the fire more serious. * said Captain Grieve. There were 15 men aboard 11 the vessel including Captain [' Mackay. None was hurt. ! At midnight there was no 1 I suggestion of their having to | abandon ship. Earlier, the 1 ]fire broke through the hatch ■ covers of No. 2 hold but ' crew members fought back] the flames and resealed the; hold. The Awa Maru made full] [ speed of 15 knots towards the I i coaster. When she reached [ [her the fire appeared to be! | under control. It was expected that the [Awa Maru would supply additional fire-fighters and faIcilities and that she would [stay with the Calm until she entered Timaru. The Calm [and the Awa Maru were in I continuous radio contact. ! The Calm was one of three ships owned by the Canter- | bury Steam Shipping Company, the manager, Mr C. H. Crombie, said in Christchurch. Built in 1950 by Scott and Sons, of Bowling, Glasgow,! she is a motor-vessel of 203 ft [ i with a draught of 13ft. She is registered at Lyttelton. |