THE STRANDED CYRENA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19032, 1 June 1925, Page 10

THE STRANDED CYRENA.

ATTEMPT TO TOW SHIP OFF. DELAYED BY ROUGH SEA. CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. , OBSTRUCTION JN FAIRWAY. [BV TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. J VYANGANUJ. Sunday. The coastal steamer John arrived back from Wellington this morning with more salvage gear to be used in connection with operations at, the stranded oil-carrier Cyrena. It. was intended to have made an attempt to tow the Cyrena, off yesterday afternoon, but the, weather changed to the, south-east, and the sea became too rough to proceed. When the, vessel arrived at Wanganui she had about 40,000 cases of oil on board. Just about, half that quantity has been taken off. As soon as tho weather moderates an attempt will bo made to haul her off, and it is confidently believed that tho effort will be successful. The Cyrena's own pumps and auxiliary pumping plant installed on board were tried out at high water yesterday, and were found to bo quite capable of coping with tho inflow of water into tho vessel. Therefore the prospects of tho steamer being brought into port again have been enhanced considerably. Dragging operations in the fairway with a view to locating the obstruction which the Cyrena first encountered resulted in something solid and heavy being discovered. Tho Togo was' sent out 011 a dragging expedition arid when the drag reached tlio locality where tho Cyrena struck an obstruction the small vessel was brought up quickly, clearly demonstrating that there is something formidable that must be removed. It is believed to bo a sunken log brought down by the flood waters. The probabilities arc that the dredge Ivaione will bo requisitioned to haul out tho obstruction whatever it may be. The discovery satisfies those concerned that had it not been for the unexpected obstruction the vessel would have reached tho harbour safely. A WARNING TO SHIPPING. OBSTRUCTION NOW BUOYED. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WANGANUI. Saturday. As tho result of dragging operations this morning the harbourmaster and engineer discovered an obstruction right in the middle of the fairway at tho entrance to the harbour. The obstruction was located approximately 700 ft. from the moles. It has been anchored and buoyed. Shipping masters should take notice. Preparations aro being made to have the obstruction removed.