STEAMER IN STORM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19620, 26 April 1927, Page 12

STEAMER IN STORM.

ROUGH WEATHER IN TASMAN. INJURIES TO A SEAMAN. During exceptionally stormy weather in the Tasman Sea a seaman, Mr. James Thomas, was seriously injured on board the Lamb steamer Ihumata, which was en route from Newcastle to Gisborne. On Saturday morning the steamer put into Auckland to land the injured man, who was sent to the hospital. The Ihumata sailed from Newcastle on April 14 and encountered stormy weathef as soon as she cleared port. The storm continued for three days, and during that time the Ihumata was badly buffeted, heavy seas repeatedly breaking on board and flooding the vessel fore and aft. The wind at first was from the south-east, but it increased in violence as it backed to the east and north-east. During the afternoon, of April 16, when the gale was at its height, Thomas went to tighten the lashings on a barfel of oil on the after deck. A particularly heavy sea broke on board and, before he could jump clear, he was dashed against the winch and almost rendered unconscious. Captain C. Ostenfeld rendered first-aid with difficulty, owing to the violent plunging and wallowing of the steamer in the high seas. At that time the vessel was midway between the Australian Coast and Lcrcl Howe Island, and the gale showed no indication of abating. Twenty-four hours later the wind began to moderate, but the seas continued heavy for anothef two days, and caused further delay. Last Wednesday the wind and sea dropped considerably, and the steamer made better progress. The injured man's condition had not improved,, and it was seen that he required medical assistance as soon as possible. The speed was increased, and, in order that a full head of steam could be kept on the boiler, the seamen assisted the firemen and trimmers in the stokehold. But for the storm the Ihumata would have reached Gisborne on Saturday. She was a long way from her destination on Friday, so Coptain Ostenfeld decided to make for Auckland and land the injured man here. Tho voss,el was boarded on a nival by Dr. Harks, the port medical doctor, and under hi si supervision the injured man was transferred to hospital by a squad of St. John. Ambulance staff. Shortly after midday on Saturday the Ihumata resumed her voyage.