OPERATION AT SEA

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 300, 15 September 1936, Page 10

OPERATION AT SEA

Master of the Marama Progressing favourably after his operation on board his ship in the Tasman Sea, Captain R. M. Kane, master of the Union liner Marama, was removed to a private hospital immediately after her arrival at Wellington yesterday. The Marama left Sydney on Thursday, and Captain Kane became ill that night. Next day he was much worse and examination showed that he was suffering from acute appendicitis, necessitating an urgent operation. Dr. G. Orbell, who was returning td New Zealand as a passenger in the Marama, performed the operation late on Friday, the ship's surgeon, Dr. W. B. Mercer, giving the anesthetic. Valuable service during the operation was rendered by Mr. Litchfield, one of the ship’s stewards. The Marama, which was about. 400 miles out from Sydney at the time, was slowed down while the operation was being, performed. Dr. Orbell, who has returned after a course at the Moorfield Hospital. England. and is .going to Invercargill to practise as an ophthalmic surgeon, said Captain Kane’s condition was such that the operation could not safely have been postponed until the ship’s arrival at Wellington. , The Marama encountered a strong southerly wind and heavy sea during Sunday and was slowed down to ease matters as/much as possible for Captain Kane, Dr. Orbell said the operaation * was successful and the patient was doing very well. His condition last night was reported to be satisfactory.