FINE SEAMANSHIP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22810, 20 February 1936, Page 10

FINE SEAMANSHIP

MISHAP TO DONALD SUTHERx LAND THE VALUE OF WIRELESS A story of fine seamanship that saved the Tourist Department launch Donald Sutherland from being smashed on Farewell Spit and brought the steamer Titoki safely through a perilous adventure was told modestly by officers of the Titoki when the vessel reached New Plymouth on Sunday. The Titoki had to nose in to within 80 feet of the shore, and with less than three feet of water beneath dier, to snatch the drifting launch from destruction. The Titoki was steaming north on Friday night when she received a wireless call to take a disabled launch in tow for Nelson. Under full steam the Titoki hastened north to Farewell Spit. Her wave-length and that of the launch differed, so that instructions from the Donald Sutherland were passed to Auckland, and those from the Titoki to Wellington. Tims communication was established over hundreds of miles, though at the time the two vessels were only a few miles apart. Later the Donald Sutherland wirelessed Auckland that the Titoki’s masthead light was in sight, and this message was relayed to the Titoki. Soon the Titoki sighted the launch, which was found to be dragging its anchor in a fairly strong sea driven by a strong south-east wind. Feeling her way through the treacherous water, and sounding constantly, the Titoki crept in towards the shore in 10 feet of water. She was drawing 13ft 6in aft. A heaving line was thrown aboard the launch gt 2.45 a.m.

Without wasting a minute the Titoki’s master, Captain W. Wahlstrom, ordered full steam ahead, and towed the Donald Sutherland a mile from the shore, dragging her anchor, before stopping to take the launch crew on board. The Titoki then set a course for Nelson with the launch in tow.