Less List In Hull Of Wahine

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31976, 1 May 1969, Page 26

Less List In Hull Of Wahine

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 30. The list in the hull of the Wahine has decreased by a degree and a half over the last few weeks. This had been caused by the removal of the last items of superstructure from the half-submerged vessel, said the New Zealand representative for the underwriters (Mr I. M. Mackay) today. About 1500 tons of material had been taken ashore from the wreck since salvage work started last year. This comprised 700 tons of steel work, including the funnel, masts, | superstructure and general fittings—and 800 tons of cargo including cars and loaded trailers. A large quantity of sand has been removed from the hull by suction plant Only five days cutting remains to be done at the

wreck and once this is finished it is estimated that, with allowance for the weather, the first of the foam will be pumped into the ship during the first week in June. The Wahine will be sufficiently upright two or three weeks later for the Holmpark to drag her to shallower water. The Union Company’s former oil barge, Hinuwai, bought by the salvage company to provide storage for the drums of foam, has had her name altered to Nuwa. Mr Mackay said the company required its vessels to have a different name after a sale, and this was achieved by striking out the “hi" in front and the “i” at the end of Hinuwai.