GROUNDED LIBERTY SHIP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27391, 17 May 1950, Page 7

GROUNDED LIBERTY SHIP

Attempt To Salvage Stern Portion QUEENSLAND COAST NZPA—Copyright Rec. 9.10 p.m. BRISBANE, May 16, Unsuccessful attempts were made today by a tug to drag the stern portion of the Liberty ship Marietta Dal from Smith’s Rock, off Cape Moreton. The tide this morning was only three feet and a-half, but late tonight there will be one of seven feet. Captain J. W. Herd, a salvage expert, is making a survey of the vessel after which attempts may be made to salvage portion of the cargo of sulphur, oils and tractors. The ship, which went ashore yesterday, broke her back last night. Most of the crew have been taken off by a pilot vessel, but Captain J. C. Brightney, and some of the key men remain and are apparently in no danger. The ship broke at No. 2 hold, leaving the three after holds and the engine room intact. Early today the wreck was rolling heavily in a ground swell, but lights were burning and apparently the dynamos were still running. When she struck, the vessel was not in the pilot area, and the pilot vessel was standing by to put one on board. She is owned by the Dalhousie Steam and Motor Ship Company, of London, and was previously known as the Sam Gallion.

The vessel was the third to go aground on Smith Rock. The Waipara was refloated in 1909, but the freighter St. Paul became i a total wreck, with the loss of 18* lives in 1918.