DARING SALVAGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24912, 11 May 1942, Page 4

DARING SALVAGE

VOYAGE OF 2000 MILES SHIP REGARDED AS TOTAL LOSS (N.Z.P.A. Special Australian Correspondent) SYDNEY, May 9. With her back broken in the first Japanese bombing raid on Darwin, a large merchant vessel has steamed 2000 miles safely. The ship had been regarded as a total loss. This great salvage task was undertaken by a young English captain and an Australian volunteer crew. The ship had been set on fire by Japanese raiders and subsequently beached. Several of the crew were killed. Most of the accommodation was gutted and the decks were a shambles. A wreckage expert and salvage men gave the ship only the slimmest chance of being saved. The young captain offered to try, and the crew managed to get the vessel on an even keel. Meanwhile other attentions were given by enemy bombers, but no hits were scored. The engines were put into working order and a jury rudder fitted. With a salvage tug in attendance the long journey to a safer port began. Fears were held that the vessel's back would break or that she might become unmanageable. " One rough day the ship went around in circles," said a member of the crew. "She was not exactly an ocean-going lady—but we are here." The paintwork all "burned off and a distinct sag in the middle of the ship offer eloquent commentary to the splendid work of those responsible for the salvage.