SERIOUS COLLISION

Grey River Argus, 1 August 1940, Page 6

SERIOUS COLLISION

OVERSEAS SHIPS Near Wellington TUGS LEAVE AT MIDNIGHT TO ASSIST. LPer Press Association.] WELLINGTON, July 31. A serious collision, between two large overseas ships, occurred shortly before nine o’clock to-night, at a. position twenty miles east of Cape Campbell, and forty miles to tne southward of Pencarrow Head. The vessels involved were the British motor ship Armadale, of 5066 tons and the Norwegian tanker, che Jacob, of 8306 tons. The Armadale was seriously damaged in her Number One hoid, out the extent of the injury to tne tankei was not ascertainable to-night. The news ot the colision was made known by an S.O.S. message, transmitted by the Armadale, wnose master reported that his ship was baaty holed. The . forward No. 1 hold was flooded. The weather was fine, the sea smooth, and the Armadale was m no danger as long as her bulkheads held.

The tanker was standing by the Armadale, which asked that assistance be sent to her.

Immediately the news was received, steps were taken to send tugs to the assistance of the Armadale. The Wellington Harbour Board tug “Toia ’ and the Union Steam Ship coy’s, tug ' Terawhiti,” with heavy towing hawsers and other gear, were despatched shortly before midnight, ana ti.ey were expected to reach the Armadale about four o’clock to-morrow morning. The Armadale will be towed to Wellington, and she may be expected to ainve during the forenoon. She will be placed on the floating dock for repairs.

Nothing was known locally tonight regarding the circumstances in which the collision occurred.