SHIP IN CYCLONE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22390, 9 April 1936, Page 8

SHIP IN CYCLONE

ORDEAL OFF AMERICA THREATENED CAPSIZE AVERTED After battling for days with a terrific cyclone' off the Pacific coast of America, the British steamer Trelissick, which arrived at Sydney a few days ago, sent out distress signals. Two American coastguard cutters raced at full speed for nearly 200 miles through raging seas to her aid, and the temporarily crippled freighter limped back to Astoria under escort.

The Trelissick loaded a cargo of lumber at Vancouver for discharge at Sydney, and huge logs were piled on her decks, fastened down by massive chains. Shortly after clearing Vancouver, the freighter encountered heavy weather and tempestuous seas, which developed into a cyclone. Pitching and rolling heavily, the steamer ploughed through the mountainous waves. Driving rain reduced visibility to a minimum, and foam-crested breakers swept over the bows and swirled along the decks. During the height of the cyclone, the deck cargo commenced to move, and the continuous rolling developed a serious list to port. Ultimately, the vessel listed over to such an angle that the waves were breaking over the main deck on the port side and lapping the rail. The Trelissick was then 240 miles from the mouth' of the Columbia River. Every member of the crew of 34 was feeling the strain of tjie long battle with the elements. It was impossible to sleep in the bunks owing to the list, and the continuous rolling flung everything movable to the floors of the cabins. For a period, the men spent sleepless nights attempting to secure the lumber which was threatening to capsize the ship. The list then affected the steam, and the Trelissick's speed was reduced to four knots.

The master, Captain Coad, decided to radio for assistance. Weather reports received indicated another cyclone further south, and he feared that the ship could not weather another storm owing: to the alarming list. The Trelissiek turned back toward the American coast. In the meantime, two United States coastguard cutters, the Onondaga, from Astoria, and the Pulaski, from Marshfield, were despatched to her aid. The storm abated considerably, and the Pulaski returned, but the Onondaga reached the Trelissiek and escorted her for two days back to Astoria. The lumber was again made secure, and the vessel continued her interrupted voyage. OfF the Queensland coast she encountered another cyclone and was hove-to for several hours.