SALVAGE OF LINER FRENZIED WORK, DAY AND NIGHT

Evening Star, Issue 26017, 4 February 1947, Page 6

SALVAGE OF LINER

FRENZIED WORK, DAY AND NIGHT

COFFER DAM FOR DENT HOLD (F.A.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 4 Work continues day and night, making Number 2 hold in the Wanganella sufficiently sound to withstand air compression in the effort to free the liner. There is no clear indication when the attempt will be made, although it may be towards the end of this week. It is apparent that the present work of the welders and boilermakers m co-opera-tion with the divers, is an engin--eering tindertaking of great dimensions and great interest, often hazardous, because much of it is under water; but so far no full description is available, and the ship where these men are working at frenzied pace to ensure the salvage offort as soon as possible remains after more than two weeks a world of her own, with observers - excluded from inspection and opportunity to describe the salvage work, which is unique in New Zealand maritime' history. Number 2 hold had a rent Bft by 4ft in the port side of- the hull, and there is ‘23ft of water inside. This is being covered by a coffer dam, making a false side to the Wanganella at the point of greatest weakness; and if the work is successful,, this will reduce the flooding to 4ft, and give enough buoyancy to refloat the liner; . The progress made is regarded optimistically.