STORM IN NEW PLYMOUTH

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 118, 2 May 1936, Page 5

STORM IN NEW PLYMOUTH

Vessel Torn from Moorings .l!j Telegraph-Brest Association.! NEW PLYMOUTH, May 2 Caught by the full force of a cyclonic gale that swept tho port early this morning, the large overseas vessel Cumberland was torn from her moorings at the Newton King wharf and carrier! seawards. The prompt release of tho anchors diverted disaster, and for more than two hours the vessel strained at tho anchor chains while steam was being raised. At 5 a.m., jusl before the peak tide, when she was in a most exposed position ,a squall of abnormal strength caught tho Cumberland and three bow lines snapped simultaneously. As the CumberlaiAl swung uway front the wharf, tho strain plnced on her stern moorings was too great, and they also carried away. The anchors were dropped promptly and she was held in u safe position for two hours. She strained at her anchor head int# the wind as steam was raised. Tho deputy-harbournmster, Captain liny, boarded the vessel and displaying magnificent seamanship piloted her stern first across the treacherous swell, sweeping round the end of tho breakwkatcr and across the harbour mouth. l ."i|t>w Once well clear of the harbour tho Cumberland was turned about and headed out to sea. A wireless message received at 0." O a.in. stated that all was well and thsi the vessel would remain at sea till the son had moderated. This is the first occasion in the history of the port that n vessel lias been torn from her moorings and obliged to put to sea. The combination of a cyclonic wind and rough seas, however, lias never previously been so intense and boisterous. Taranaki was swept by a fierce gala throughout last night, with intermittent showers, heavy rain and hail.