SHIPS DISMASTED

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 110, 11 May 1934, Page 9

SHIPS DISMASTED

HELP AT SEA

! When the motor-ship Taranaki, which arrived at D.unedin on Wednesday from London, was in the Atlantic she was called upon to, render assistance to a French sailing ship in distress. This was the fishing vessel Galatoe, ono of the French fleet which operates off 'the Newfoundland fishing banks, arid when she was sighted by tho officers of the Taranaki it was seen that all her masts were gone. ' •

The Taranaki passed close to the disabled ship late on the afternoon of April 2, and as .the latter had previously signalled to ascertain her own position this information was supplied. No further assistance was asked, and the motor;ship proceeded on her voyage. Some thirty-six hours later a wireless message, was received from the Galatee stating that tho ship was completely dismasted and disabled. Sho was then endeavouring to reach [Fayal in the Azores.

Another unusual incident occurred when the Taranaki was steaming across the Pacific. Two days after clearing Balboa a wireless message was picked up from the steamer Cornwall, homeiward bound from New Zealand, stating that the American 50ft ketch Franklin Barnett was partly disabled, with her mast gone, and was endeavouring to proceed on her voyage jury-rigged. The master of the Cornwall advised that his ship was taking the ketch in tow, and expected to reach Balboa with her in safety. The Taranaki passed within fifteen miles of tho disabled ship and her consort, but the officers did not see either vessel. No further ncw3 was received concerning the ships. .