STRANDED CARGO BOAT

Evening Star, Issue 23323, 20 July 1939, Page 16

STRANDED CARGO BOAT

SECOND EFFORT TO REFLOAT FAILS TWO TUGS WORKING | Per United Press Association.] WANGANUI, July 19. The Port Bowen, which grounded at 1 o’clock this morning about a quarter of a mile off the beach and a mile from the harbour entrance, at midnight (high tide) remained firm on the sandbank where she grounded. It is believed that she has suffered no damage. The efforts of the Kahanui to refloat the stranded vessel before midnight were again unsuccessful. The tug commenced operations shortly after 9 o’clock, and although she was able to move the bows of the Port Bowen about Bft, the vessel slipped back on to the sandbank, where' she reiiiained firm at high tide (midnight). NO APPARENT DAMAGE. The tug Terawhiti, from Wellington, then put in an appearance, and she imihediately commenced combined operations with the Kahanui in an effort to free the Port Bowen, which had; been bumping slightly under the influence of a moderate swell. It was not .bought, however, that the stranded csscl had suffered any damage. Late this afternoon four lighters were able to take off full loads of cargo from ,the vessel. The Port Bowen arrived in the roadstead about 1 o’clock this morning from Picton to load 20,000 carcasses of meat, and shortly afterwards grounded at low water. At the time the vessel came to rest on the beach, almost broadside on, with her bow pointing at a slight angle toward the shore, the sea was calm. The vessel took a list to starboard, and the pilot station was communicated with immediately. The crew of the tug Kahanui was summoned, and within two hours steam was up and the tug standing by. The pilot launch Karero was also taken out. The Port Bowen was in the act of turning when she grounded. The night was fairly clear looking seaward, but misty on the land. The vessel was held on the sandy beach by her bow and when the tide started to make she was described as “ alive.” The tug Kahanui. fully equipped with salvaging gear, was able to get close in to the stranded vessel, and made all preparations to lay kedge anchors should the wind spring up or the sea become rough. The Port Bowen on arrival was almost fully loaded, and was drawing 29ft. Most of the cargo is refrigerated, but there is a quantity of general cargo, and some of this was unloaded this afternoon so as to considerably lighten the vessel. The cargo is comprised of 1,840 carcasses of mutton, 8,477 carcasses of lamb, 72 tons of sundries, 400 boxes of butter, 700 crates of cheese; for Newcastle. 10 tons of beef; for Southampton 235 carcasses of mutton, 18,750 carcasses of lamb, 135 tons of sundries, and 150 crates of cheese.