Port Bowen's Position Unchanged

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 174, 26 July 1939, Page 4

Port Bowen's Position Unchanged

Hopes of Refloating On Spring Tides WATERSIDERS HAVE UNHAPPY TIME Per Press Association. WANGANUI, July 25. In spite of a severe buffeting by heavy seas last night, the Port Lino steamer Fort Boweu remained undamaged to-duv, the only change in her position being a more acute list to starboard. Throughout the night the waves beat relentlessly' against the steamer’s hull, sending spindrift high into the air above the bridge and funnel and drenching the ship from stem to stern. The Fort Bowen was without lights, her generators being out of action, and the only illumination until shortly alter 1.30 a.m. was from 7 floodlights erected on poles ou the beach by tin W&nganuiRangitikei Electric Power Board. From then on the steamer was bathed in a brilliant light from one of the three large searchlights erected ou the beach by the anti-aircraft section of the Royal New Zealand Artillery from Fort Dorset. The searchlight unit returned to Wellington to-day. Heavy seas and the fact that the v essel is within 200 yards of the shore aud in the breakers, have prevented unloading or salvage operations from being carried out since Sunday afternoon, and there is no likelihood of the work being resumed until such time as the harbourmaster (Captain F. G. Taylor) is able to take soundings around the Port Bowen. The steamer is believed to be in no danger and no fear is being felt for tho safety of the officers and crew. The watorsiders who were left aboard the Fort Bowen on Sunday afternoon were brought ashore this morning in one of tho vessel’s lifeboats, the sea having abated considerably since early morning. A rocket with a light line attached was fired from the Port Bowen and a large manila rope dragged ashore and later attached to a large wooden gantry. A lifeboat was used throughout the day to provide communication between the ship and the shore. An attempt to take on board a generator to supply tho Jiner with power had to be abandoned because of the danger of the equipment being covered with salt spray during transit through the surf. For 36 hours there was a shortage of water for drinking purposes ©n the liner, but supplies were taken on board to-day after the waterside workers hod been brought ashore. As the liner's condensers aro out of action water will have to be sent aboard each day. Tho party of watersiders had two sleepless and uncomfortable nights on the ship and the men appeared haggard and worn when they came ashore. The noise of the seas dashing against the vessel’s hull, the coldness of the weather, lack of drinking water and no lights made the conditions uncomfortable and as sleep was out of the question, many of the men spent Monday night pacing about to keep warm. It was stated to-night that salvage operations would not be re-started before to-morrow afternoon. Four tugs are now available, tho Kahanui from Wanganui, the Toia and Terewhiti from Wellington and the new Lyttelton II from Lyttelton, the latter vessel not having assisted yet. In spite of tho vessel’s present position hopes are still entertained that when tho ship is empty she can be refloated on the spring tides at the end of the month.