MAKURA MISHAP

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 143, 21 June 1927, Page 11

MAKURA MISHAP

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PUMPING COMMENCED

DEBRIS HAMPERS WORK

As soon as the Makura was berthed at Queen's Wharf yesterday afternoon, pumps were set to work to remove the several foet of water in No. 1 hold, admitted as the result of damage to the hull of the ship caused by the terrific seas encountered on her voyage from Sydney. All day on Sunday the ship, which had no cargo at all forward, was pounding through mountainous seas, and several rivets were started —how many is not yet known, as the hold is not yet clear of water.

Pumping operations were continued throughout the night, and this morning there was very littlo water left. Another pump has been connected, however, as it was found that the singlo pump was continually becoming choked by the debris from the hold.

The section where the actual damage occurred was a small insulated compartment in the bottom of tho hold, and the action of tho water has completely wrecked this, resulting in a jumble of the insulating material—charcoal, pumice and timber. This continually chokes tho pumps, and the work of clearing the hold is thus considerably hampered.

FAULTY RIVETS FOUND.

By midday the water in the hold was only a few inches' deep, and tho pumps were only in use now and again to keep the hold clear.

A diver was at work throughout the morning, and it was found that two rivets wero badly strained. In a statement this afternoon the Union Company announced that it was expected that the Makura would be ready to proceed on her journey to-morrow. At the time of* going to press, examination of tho hull was still in progress, and no further damage had been discovered.