THRILLING VOYAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20870, 12 May 1931, Page 12

THRILLING VOYAGE.

KETCH IN HEAVY SEAS. SUCCESSION OF SQUALLS. DISPLAY OF FINE SEAMANSHIP. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] SUVA, May 4. The liltlo auxiliary ketch Maopa, owned by Burns, Pliilp (South Seas), Company, Limited, has come homo. She has done so under circumstances that would have daunted the heart of anyone other than a British seaman. She was smothered in a howling gale, buffeted by squalls I hat tore out her mizzenmast, and by raging, hungry seas that rent her bulwarks, first on the starboard side and then, after refitting, on her port side. She started a leak in her benzine tank and set her engine-room in a blaze, but through it all her sturdy skipper, Captain Oulloden, never lost faith in himself or his crew and ship.

Sailing from Tulagi, bound for Suva, the Maopa sailed on March 17. Two days later her mizzenmast carried away. Undismayed, the master decided to carry on, but Fate was unkind, as the engineroom blazed up the following day. By arduous endeavour tho fire was quenched and a return was made to Tulagi for refitting. Again tho ketch set- out, with a new mast, on April 8, and when off Santo, on April 12, a heavy squall struck her, smashing a bolt of the maintop halliards. The sail and spar fell to the deck, and then tho rope fouled the propeller. In desperation a return was made to North West Bay at Malekula. The starboard bulwark had carried away and tho tank had again started leaking. After temporary repairs another start was made on April 14. But another squall and more engine trouble caused a return to North-West Bay. On April 16 the weather moderated and a start was made, only to encounter fresh squalls and heavy seas, and so refuge was sought off the lee side of Tanna. Meantime the heavy seas had stove in the port bulwark.

After more trouble Vila was reached and repairs effected It was a fine display of seamanship. She is a vessel of only 34 tons.