VESSEL UNDER TOW

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26772, 15 May 1948, Page 6

VESSEL UNDER TOW

CRIPPLED PORT WAIKATO WEATHER REMAINS FINE P.A. WELLINGTON, May 14. The crippled ship Port Waikato, towed by the Kamo, is expected to arrive at Wellington late on Sunday night or early on Monday morning. This was stated by Captain S. Holm, of the Holm Shipping Company, the vessel’s managers. The exact time of arrival was doubtful, said Captain Holm. Although the weather was fair tonight, speed would have to be reduced should it deteriorate. “In answer to a radio call from Chatham, via 2YA, we proceeded full speed for 70 miles, in a force 7 westerly wind to the Port Waikato, which was in danger of drifting on to the western reef,” says a radio message from the master of the Wellington fishing trawler Manuka, Captain Flett, describing the race to aid the drifting ship. “ We reached her in nine hours,” continues the radio message, “ and stood by all night. The Port Waikato has rigged a jury sail and cleared the reefs, and is out of danger, as the weather is moderating. Captain Keith, of the Port Waikato, has shown good seamanship and done very well.

“On Thursday morning, Captain Keith advised us to proceed back, realising that our bunkers were depleted, due to a six-day battle with gales coming to the Chathams, and that the Kamo would soon be here to tow him to New Zealand. It was unnecessary for us to tow him to the Chathams or stand by, as the weather was now fine and the vessel well out of danger. In our hurry to reach the Port Waikato we were unable to land several local men whom we took with us, much to their regret (seasick). We will be unable to complete our cargo due to this drain on our bunkers.”