Near emergency at dock

Press, 30 April 1982, Page 3

Near emergency at dock

Incorrect information about this Japanese fishing vessel’s draught led to a near emergency at Lyttelton’s dry dock yesterday afternoon. Four Fire Service engines were called to the dry dock after the 349-tonne Fukuyoshi Maru No. 28 struck the blocks at the bottom of the dock. In order to realign the vessel over the blocks more water had to be brought into the dock to refloat her. To do this, water had to be pumped from the caisson, a floating gateway, at the entrance to the dock so that it could be removed. Once emptied, the caisson could be moved andmore water let into the dock. Pumps from one engine and the tug Canterbury were used to empty the caisson. The effort was successful, the vessel being refloated and safely secured in the

i dock. Work will begin on her ? today. r Captain J. M. Partington, i the Deputy Harbourmaster, said the Fukuyoshi had , dislodged about four blocks * at the bottom of the dock. ‘ “It is quite clear that the ' draught of the vessel was * more than stated,” he said, ' but there had been “no real emergency” at the dock. , In May, 1981, a similar ' incident happened at the j graving dock when a Russian fishing vessel, the Terney, I failed to centre on the , blocks. In that incident, fire [ engines had to pump water , from the caisson so that it ; could be refloated and the j vessel lowed to safety. Fortunately the move was ■ successful and the Terney ■ was able to leave the dock ; and berth safely in the har- , bour. She had been in danger , of keeling over when the I water drained from the : graving dock with the tide.