CAPSIZE OF A BARGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19698, 26 July 1927, Page 10

CAPSIZE OF A BARGE.

MISHAP m DEVONPORT.

WORKMEN JUMP FOR SAFETY.

I- HEAVY MACHINERY INTACT.

FIFTY TONS OF CEMENT LOST.

A barge, heavily laiden with machinery and about 50 tons of cement, which was being used in constraiction of the new wharf at Dovonport, capsized in the heavy sea early yesterday afternoon. Although workmen were employed on board when the mishap occurred, they were able to jurnj) clear in time. Fortunately no one was injured, although one man was compelled to cfl'ive into the v.-ater and was subsequently rqscued. Among the machinery and gear on board were two motors, a wfinch, a concretemixer and a largo iron gantry, with a span of about 40ffc., for conveying the mixed concrete to the wharf. The machinery was all fixed to the deck, but the numerous bags of ceiment were lost. It is hoped to right the- barge as soon as weather conditions impifove, when the machinery will be overhauled. In the meantime it is not anticipa ted that work will be delayed, as it is intended to place another concrete-mixer on the wharf. The barge was discovered to be leaking early in tho day and the driving wind and heavy seas which were breaking overboard rendered its condition unsafe It was accordingly decided by the Harbour Board authorities ti3 move it to a more sheltered anchorage. A tug was taken alongside, but the barge was filling with water and it suddenly heeled over when one of tho mooring rojl>es was cut. A diver will later remove the several hausers with which the barget is securely moored.