Yacht salvage setback

Press, 2 June 1984, Page 9

Yacht salvage setback

Another attempt will be made today to bring the yacht Karelia to the surface of Purau Bay. The yacht’s six-cylinder engine was bought to the surface yesterday and attempts were being made to get it working, said the owner, Mr Les Savage, last evening. He bought the 14m yacht after it struck rocks and sank in the bay on May 24. Mr Savage had hoped to float the wreck yesterday, but difficulties getting the engine out caused the delay. Four divers, using about 40 air-filled drums, would

try again today to raise the vessel. If they were successful, it would be in Lyttelton’s inner harbour this afternoon. Mr Savage said he “shuddered to think” how much he had spent on salvaging the yacht, but the would carry the project through “to the bitter end.” He was worried that the Karelia might sink again before it was lifted from the water. Possible vandalism or thefts from the craft were another worry and he would spend the week-end keeping a close watch on it.