Cray Boat Under Tow

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31661, 23 April 1968, Page 1

Cray Boat Under Tow

(N.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN, April 22. After two days adrift with engine trouble near the Chatham Islands, the Dunedin-owned crayfishing boat Diane was expected to be taken in tow either late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

The Diane was hove to with engine trouble early on Sunday morning while making a voyage from Port Chalmers to th- Chathams. At the time she was in convoy with another Port Chalmers boat, the James McLaren, which, because of unfavourable weather, was apparently unable to tow the Diane the remaining 80 miles to the Chathams.

Arrangements were then made for another Dunedinowned boat at the Chathams, the Sandra Kaye, to go out and tow the Diane. With the Diane and her crew of four not in any

danger, the James McLaren was thought to have continued her voyage to the Chathams.

Early tonight the Diane’s owners, Otakou Fisheries, Ltd, received a message from the Diane’s master that the vessel was drifting slowly in the direction of the Chathams.

The Sandra Kaye was expected to be in the vicinity of the Diane some time during the night; radar on both vessels was expected to assist in establishing a rendezvous.

The Diane has recently completed an overhaul at Port Chalmers. Her engine fault is expected to be re-

paired with replacement parts flown to the Chathams.