THE FISHING TRAGEDY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25566, 20 June 1944, Page 6

THE FISHING TRAGEDY

Sir, —“ 5.0.5.” states that permission was not granted to rescue craft to put to sea in an endeavour to help rescue the fishermen in trouble. Well, Sir, it appears that, the old traditions of the sea have been thrown overboard, and monetary gain taken its place, or else seamanship is a back number. I have seen small craft on the English coast put to sea in the teeth of a North Sea gale and give of their best in an earnest endeavour to save their mates whose craft had broken down Why was the Wainui. seeing that she was in the vicinity, not diverted to the scene of the mishap? Someone had blundered. Is the patrol launch still stationed at the Heads? In conclusion, Sir, I would Ike to ask you the following question: Must every craft, before it puts to sea, carry a certificate of seaworthiness, and by that I mean carry the necessary distress signals, life jackets and emergency rations or is it only an inspection of the hull? I ask this because I am led ’to believe that an inspector passes all craft and issues a certificate of seaworthiness.—l am, ■etc.. Davy Jones.

Dunedin. June 15. [A vessel over 10 tons, measurement, has to be surveyed every 12 months as regards its seaworthiness. It has also to carry distress signals, life jackets, and the necessary equipment. The master of a vessel over 10 tons has to possess a master mariner’s certificate. Below the tonnage mentioned no survey is required.—Ed. O.D.T.].

Sir,—The letters of “ Storm Tossed " and ’’ 5.0.5.” call for an answer. As the dr.fting boat, when first sighted, was over 100 miles from Port no fishing boat could have reached it in time from here. Some of our fleet are fast of their kind, but not as swift and seaworthy as " S.O.S.’’ and his nautical friend would have people believe. If these “ old salts ” wish to prove their mettle they can come for a week with me. and if they can do my mate’s work satisfactorily I will place my share of the catches at the disposal of any fund they like to mention. Attack under a worn de plume is very like the back stab of a thug.—l am, etc.. Port Chalmers, June 17. K. Clough.

Sir, —Attacks on the integrity and seamanship of the Port Chalmers fishermen in uns.gned letters can carry little weight, and are grossly unfair. The fishermen, after having, in the main spent a lifetime matching their wits and ability against the elements, need no urging to take risks, either in their everyday life or in case:: of necessity such as that occurring in the recent tragedy. Your correspondents should surely realise that if the loca 1 fishermen are silent regarding attempts at rescue, there are no excuses necessary, either from the fishermen or the Marine Department and Naval authorities who have control of all facilities for rescue at sea. I would suggest that a public statement by the Marine Department as to the step's taken to succour the Hope and the men in her would set at rest the anxieties of “ 5.0.5.,” “ Storm Tossed,” and any other armchair critics. —I am. etc.. H. Davis. June 18, Carey's Bay.