STRANDED VESSEL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23507, 18 November 1939, Page 12

STRANDED VESSEL

EFFORTS AT SALVAGE TRAWLER ON WHALE ISLAND r - REFLOATING ATTEMPT TO-DAY The refloating of the Waitemata Fisheries' trawler Waiwera, which struck a reef at Whale Island, off Whakatane, on Sunday and was beached on tho island at the half-tide mark, will, bo attempted to-day with the aid of tho motor-vessel Margaret W. Tho hole in tho bows, from which two planks were torn, .was patched on Monday afternoon after feverish work by tho manager, tho crew and a salvage expert. Hot springs running through the beach make tho sand too hot for work to be dono at low tide, except for short periods, but in spite of this trenches were dug around tho boat on Wednesday and Thursday and attempts made to tow her from her 3ft. deep cradlo of sand. Tho Auckland Fisheries' trawler Joan and the launch Outlaw from Tauranga wero used in those attempts, but the suction proved too great. Inquiries for a tug from Auckland were made by tho secretary, Mr. H. S. Barry, but it was found that none of tho vessels availablo was suitable. Tho Gisborno Sheopfarmers' Frozen Meat and Mercantile Company's vessel Margaret W- was engaged as a last resort and tho attempt will be made at high tide, about noon to-day. Tho Waiwera will bo towed to Auckland if tho attempt is successful, but if tho weather is unfavourable the salvage operations will have to bo abandoned until tho high spring tides next week. At present the vessel is not in danger of breaking up if the weather holds, but the wreckage of two vessels which lies on the beach is an indication of tho danger which lies in a change.

In her present position only the mast of the Waiwera is above water at high tide. All gear which could be removed has been taken off, but it appears likely that the engine and hull will be lost if the weather breaks.