SHIP SERIOUSLY DAMAGED : SAVED BY CARGO
P.A.) AUCKLAND, June 22. A consignment of phosphate from Nauru Island which supported the inner bottom of the 5032-ton motorship Eastgate when she bumped aground in New Plymouth harbour on May 31 probably saved the ship from heavy loss, according to the ship surveyor who inspected the ship yesterday.
The Eastgate entered Calliope Dock on Saturday for repairs after a long detour through Cook Strait and up the east coast.
The surveyor found that the hull was extensively damaged in the mishap which took place when the Eastgate’s engines failed in a heavy swell and the ship swung into shoal water.
About 40ft. of the keel aft was bent and strained and plates on the starboard side were badly damaged. One plate on the port side amidships was buckled and there was a large hole under the ship’s No. 2 hold. The hull plates were scored by rock and several keel plates cracked. A full assessment of the damage to plates inside the ship will not be possible until the collision mat which was placed over part of the damaged keel aft and concreted by divers in New Plymouth is removed. Although difficulty is being experienced in obtaining sufficient material for repairs, gangs of men started preliminary work yesterday. The engineers hope to complete the job within six weeks.
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Bibliographic details
Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22670, 22 June 1948, Page 3
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225SHIP SERIOUSLY DAMAGED : SAVED BY CARGO Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22670, 22 June 1948, Page 3
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