BATTERED BY SEA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22258, 10 May 1934, Page 10

BATTERED BY SEA

FRENCH SHIP DISMASTED MEETING WITH TARANAKI When the motor ship Taranaki, which arrived at Dunedin yesterday from London, via Suva, was in the Atlantic slie was called upon to render assistance to a French sailing ship in distress. This was the fishing vessel Galatee, one of the French fleet which operates off the Newfoundland fishing banks, and when she was sighted by the officers of the Taranaki it was seen that all her masts Were gone. The Taranaki passed close to the disabled ship late on the afternoon of April 2, and as tlje latter had previously signalled to ascertain her own position this information was supplied. The Taranaki’s officers were advised that no further assistance was necessary, and the motor ship therefore proceeded on her voyage; but some 36 hours later a wireless message was received by the Taranaki’s operator from the Galatee stating that the ship was Completely dismasted and disabled. She. was endeavouring, however, to reach Fayal in the Azores, and it is presumed by the officers of the Taranaki that she succeeded in reaching her destination. Another unusual incident occurred when the Taranaki was steaming across the Pacific. Two days after clearing Balboa a wireless message wa picked up from the steamer Cornwall, homeward bound from New Zealand, stating that the American 50-foot ketch Franklin Barnett was partly disabled, with her mast gone, and was endeavouring to proceed on her voyage jury-rigged. The master of the Cornwall advised that his ship was taking the ketch in tow, and expected to reach Balboa with her in safety. The Taranaki passed within 15 miles of the disabled ship and her consort, but the officers did not see either vessel. No further news was received concerning the ships.