FIRE ON “KOROWAI”

Grey River Argus, 22 August 1944, Page 4

FIRE ON “KOROWAI”

In Auckland Harbour

HOLE CUT IN SIDE.

P.A. AUCKLAND, August 21. After smouldering for at least two days, a fire in. the aft hold of the Union Steam Ship Company’s steamer “Korowai,” gained a fair grip, while the vessel was lying alongside King’s Wharf, to-day. Two engines were called from the Central Fire Station shortly before five o’clock to-night, and it became necessary to cut a hole on the port side of the ship before the flames were quelled. The seat of the fire was found in a consignment of hay, stored near the forward bulkhead of the hold. Other cargo in the hold included potatoes, tea, farm machinery and bundles ot timber for fruit cases. The “Korowai” left Lyttelton on Thursday, and while passing Tokomaru Bay, nearly 200 miles from Auckland, on Saturday, the fire was first noticed. Steam forced into the burning hold kept the fire in check, and the ship berthed on Sunday afternoon. The use of steam was kept up, but when the hatches were removed ehis morning, the rush of air througn the uncovered, hold stimulated the fire, which burst into flame. More steam was applied, but, this afternoon, the steel decks became hot, and the quarters immediately above the forward part of the hold, uncomfortably warm. Because of the comparatively inaccessible position of the fire, and the danger of it spreading again if tlie hatches were removed, an acetylene cutter was used to make the hole lathe ship’s side, through which the nozzle of a hose could be aimed. Standing on the deck of a launch, a welder quickly cut the hole through the thick plate, on which paint had been blistered with the heat. Smoke billowed out, and short stabs of flame licked up the ship’s side, when the hole was made. Directing a steady stream of water through the hole, from a hose which had been led from the wharf, across the ship’s deck, and on to the launch, firemen quenched the blaze sufficiently to allow the hold to be uncovered. Three firemen wearing respirators led more hoses into the hold, which was full of smoke and steam. Within an hour of tine brigade’s arrival, the fire was well under control. Men were stationed at the ship to-night, in case there should be any revival. Until the extent of the damage to the cargo is ascertained, it will not be known whether a general average will be struck.