Port Bowen Still Aground

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 172, 24 July 1939, Page 6

Port Bowen Still Aground

3000 Tons of Coal Go Overboard MISHAP TO WELLINGTON TUG Per Press Ai station. WANCANUI, July 23. In an effort to lighten the stranded Port Bowen, strenuous efforts are being made to remove the cargo while the weather permits, and during the weekend lighters carrying cheese, frozen meat and wool plied between ship and stores at Castleeliff. The dumping overboard of the vessel's coal, of which she has 3000 tons nboard, was continued also, the common belief being that if sufficient weight is removed, tho tugs will be able to move the ship before the high tides at the end of the month. This afternoon, with two tugs operating, it was obvious that tho ship was moving slightly and hopes have been raised that she will be got off if conditions remain favourable. The spring tides develop at the end of July and continue for some days into August. If a wait until then is necessary’, the stranded vessel will be at the mercy of any storms which might eventuate, but precautionary measures have been taken to anchor her against the prevailing wind and the set of the tide and tugs will be constantly at hand to prevent her being driven further inshore. Alinor mishaps have resulted in de* lnys during salvage operations and this morning a length of hawser being operated by the tug Toia snapped aud part became tangled round tho propeller with the result that the Toia had to be towed to port by the tug Tcrawhiti. This afernoon the diver was still engaged removing the broken hawser. Further supplies of hawser have been obtained from the New Plymouth Harbour Board.