FIRE IN CARGO STEAMER

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 279, 22 August 1944, Page 6

FIRE IN CARGO STEAMER

Hole Cut In Ship’s Side CONSIGNMENT OF HAY ABLAZE (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, August 21. After smouldering for at least two days a fire in the aft bold of the Union Steam Ship Company’s steamer Korowui gained a fair grip while the vessel was lying alongside King's Wharf today. Two engines were, called from the Central 1* ire Station shortly before 5 o’clock tonight and it became necessary to cut a hole on the port side of the ship before the flames were quelled. The seat of the fire was found in a consignment of hay stowed near the forward bulkhead of the hold. Other cargo in the hold included potatoes, tea, farm machinery and bundles of timber for fruit cases. The Korowai left Lyttelton on Thursday and while passing Tokotnaru Bay, nearly 200 miles from Auckland on Saturday the fire was first noticed. Steam forced into the burning hold kept the tire in check and the ship berthed on Sunday afternoon. The use of steam was kept up, but when the hatches were.removed this morning the rush of air through the uncovered hold stimulated the fire which burst into flame. More steam was applied. but this afternoon the steel decks became hot and the quarters . immediately above the forward part of the hold uncomfortably warm. Because of the comparatively inaccessible position of the fire and the danger of it spreading again if the hatches were removed, an acetylene cutter was used to make a hole in the ship’s side through which the nozzle of a hose could be aimed. Standing on the deck of a launch, a welder quickly cut a hole through the thick plate on which the paint had been blistered with the heat. Smoke billowed out and short stabs of flame licked up the ship’s side when the hole was made. .Directing a steady stream of water through the hole from a hose which had been led from the wharf across the ship’s deck and on to the launch, a fireman quenched the blaze sufficiently to allow the hold to be uncovered. Three firemen wearing respirators led more hoses into the bold, which was full of smoke and steam. Within an hour of the brigade’s arrival, the fire was well under control. Men were stationed at the ship tonight in case there should be any revival. Till the extent of the damage to the cargo is ascertained, it will not be known whether a general average will be struck.