AN EXCITING VOYAGE

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11437, 6 February 1923, Page 7

AN EXCITING VOYAGE

TRAWLER FOR NEW ZEALAND. Coveted with dried sea spray, and treat*, ing a generally bedraggled look, the trawler Cerfib, bound for New Zealand, crawled into Fremantle harbour and made for a safe berth, after a sensational three months’ voyage from Hull. The vessel is commanded by the captain, and owner, who is taking her to New Zeeland to trawl there. He was on trawling duty in the North Sea during the war, hut the voyage just finished was the worst he ever experienced. The crew gave a vivid account of the trip. They say adverse weather prevailed throughout the ninety days afloat, and sluico tars, barrows, and ether movable gear was constantly jolted all over the vessel by gales. Day and night they were continually on the qui vive. with the result that when they got to Colombo three firemen and the cook deserted. Three coolie firemen signed on in their places for .£25 for the balance of the voyage and n passage back. They have now repented the bargain. While coming down the north-west coast they encountered a good portion of a willywilly which had been raging, and got terribly hammered. No lives were lost, but good seaman-hip only saved this happening To put the crowning touch on all. when, approaching Fremantle the trawler ran on a sandbank, and the tH*at-i were ready in ea-e the worst happened. bnt lurhlv she floated off without damage. She is due at Auckland or* February 20th