DAMAGED STEAMER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21515, 12 June 1933, Page 8

DAMAGED STEAMER

THE DALCROY IN DOCK SOME OF PLATES BUCKLED TEMPORARY REPAIRS ONLY The steamer Dalcrov entered clock on Saturday afternoon, when it was revealed that the vessel had received considerable damage when she grounded on Dove Island, near Queensland, during her voyage from Java to Auckland. The damage is forward on the port side, where the lower plates are buckled for about 50ft. from the stem to the bilge. In addition, about 20 frames, to winch the plates are riveted, are bent inward, and some of the rivets have been broken. When the vessel went to Thursday Island for inspection after she was refloated, Japanese pearl divers plugged the rivet holes with plugs made of rags and wood to stop the water leaking into the forepeak. These plugs, were still in the rivet holes when the vessel clocked. The reef on which the Dalcroy struck at Dove Island was an outcrop of coral, and, considering that the vessel was steaming at about ten knots when the accident happened, it is remarkable that the damage is not much greater. That the hull stood such a strain so well reflects great credit on the workmanship of the builders and the material used in the construction of the vessel. , An inspection of the hull was made by surveyors yesterday, and it is understood only temporary repairs will bo carried out at Auckland. The vessel will sail about Wednesday or Thursday for Sydney to load a cargo of wheat for Great Britain.