RUMOUR OR FACT?

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 79, 27 December 1929, Page 10

RUMOUR OR FACT?

STORY OF WHALE CHASERS CRUSHED IN ICE PACK WIRELESS OPERATOR’S DENIAL Dominion Special Service. Dunedin, December 26. It was reported in Dunedin on Tuesday afternoon that two of , the whale chasers attached to the Norwegian ships in Southern waters had been crushed in the ice pack, and that such was.the extent; of the damage that they had foundered. It was also stated that the crews of these chasers were rescued by the factory ships, which happened to be close to the smaller vessels. However, the names of the chasers and other definite information are not available. When questioned this morning, the- wireless operator of the Eleanor Bolling, who is in constant communication with the whaling fleet, denied any knowledge of any such happening as was reported. “Even if we knew that these whale chasers had been sunk, we could 'not give out any information,” lie said. Messrs. Brodrick and Chalmer, the local agents for Lloyds, with whom the Rosshavet fleet operating the C. A. Larsen is insured, stated to-day that no word had come to them. In any case, if the loss was reported to Lloyds, the news would be received by the Invercargill agent. There the matter stands until the rumour is proved correct or otherwise by official intimation.