TUG HOLD-UP ENDS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22241, 29 January 1947, Page 6

TUG HOLD-UP ENDS

SUPPLIES TO SHIP FAVOURABLE PROGRESS SALVAGE PREPARATIONS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 29. The work of preparing the Wanganella for refloating progresses favourably. Those responsible last night expressed optimism at the prospects. It is unlikely that a refloating attempt will be made before to-morrow, but'it is almost certain that it will be made before the week-end. Following a settlement of the tug hold-up some necessary supplies reached the ship before nightfall. Measures to seal off the damaged holds and strengthen the vital bulkhead are continuing. When the layer of plates forming the seal over the holds is complete it is intended to lay down a layer of cement on them to ensure they are completely airtight. Cement and Sand

For this purpose cement and sand were carried to the ship in the Kahunui.

Three mobile compressors will supply compressed air to drive the water from Nos. 1 and 2 holds and lighten the weight of the damaged section. It is possible that the power of the ship’s own engines with the puli by her winches on the mushroom anchors will then bring iier off the reef without use of the tugs, though the latter will stand by for use if necessary. A rivet gun for underwater work was flown to Paraparaumu from Auckland yesterday. It will be used in work on the ship by Mr. J. E. Johnstone, the Melbourne diver, who is specially proficient in its use.