SHIP ON BANK

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31500, 14 October 1967, Page 14

SHIP ON BANK

Seven Hours Aground

(M.Z. Prow Aetociatton) DUNEDIN, October 13. The 8375-ton British cargo ship Port Nelson was aground in Otago harbour for seven hours today after striking a sandbank about a mile from Taiaroa Heads. The heavily-laden vessel had entered the harbour and was heading for a berth at Port Chalmers when it ran aground opposite Otakou about 3.40 p.m.

It is thought that strong south-west winds which were gusting to more than 30 knots—swung the ship's bow on to the sandbank, on the north side of the navigation channel.

An early attempt by the tug Otago to pull the ship clear was unsuccessful.

At flood tide, early in the evening, the tug again attached tow-lines. The Port Nelson was finally pulled clear of the bank about 9.30 p.m. and moved under her own power to Port Chalmers where she berthed soon after 10 p.m. The general manager of the Otago Harbour Board (Mr W. Keir) said last night that it seemed unlikely that the ship was damaged and dry-docking for examination would probably not be necessary.

Pedestrian Injured.—Miss M. A. Miller, of 55 Barrington Street, was admitted to the Christchurch Hospital with leg injuries after being struck by a ear in Colombo

Street, Sydenham, at 4.53 p.m. yesterday.