FIRE ON STEAMER

Grey River Argus, 17 February 1945, Page 8

FIRE ON STEAMER

IN LYTTELTON HARBOUR. VESSEL KEPT AFLOAT. P.A. CHRISTCHURCH, February 16. Although the cargo of hay that remains aboard is still smouldering in places, it is now considered that the Union Company’s inter-Colonial steamer, which put back to Lyttelton on Monday night, is safe. . It was thought, at one stage last night, that it might be necessary to sink the vessel, but she is now well afloat again. Firemen will stand by until all of the cargo of hay has been discharged. There wer e anxious hours early this morning, when, with the tide rising and the vessel’s forefoot resting on the bottom, it was feared that she would fill and sink. However, the bow lifted just sufficiently to keep afloat. Soon after 6 a.m., two trailer pumps, which had assisted in flooding holds, were swung on to the deck and put into action as salvage pumps. Steam had been kept up in the ship, and the vessel’s own pumps were also set to work. The discharging of the hay was recommenced, and, as water was pumped out, and cargo discharged, the bow began to lift inch by inch. During the night, the ship had been drawing more than 30 feet at the bow, but by 5 p.m. to-day this had been reduced to 25 feet. Those five feet were gained as the result of 12 hours’ hard work, but they made all the difference between danger and safety. The ship still had a bad list towards the wharf, but this, too, was being reduced. Work will continue on the vessel all night.