OPERATION AT SEA.
AND NO INSTRUMENTS FOR IT! MAKESHIFTS SUCCEED. MELBOURNE, May 13. The third cook of the C. and D liner, I'ort Bowen, Mr. 0. Torrington, owes his life to the ingenuity of the chief engineer,, Mr. Hooker, and the ship’s doctor, Dr. Bmnnien. The ship was in mid-I’acrfic in the tropic 7,one between Panama and Australia. Torrington developed _ acute appendicitis, and to save his life an operation was imperative 'within 24 hours, hut. essential instruments were not inc'liuhjd in the minimum outfit carried according to the Board of trade requirements. Hooker came to the rescue, and, under the doctor’s directions, lie set about fashioning the necessary instruments.
The task seemed impossible down in the sweltering air of the ship’s ihuchino shop. Engineers wrestled with steel and machinery never, designed to produce such delicate articles as were needed. It, was a race against time. Eventually the doctor was supplied with the instruments, and, with the chief steward, as anaesthetist, and the chief officer as his assistant, ho decided to operate. Thd ordeal lasted 40 minutes, but. it was attended by success. To-day Torrington is at fit as over. ,
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Bibliographic details
Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17045, 28 May 1926, Page 7
Word Count
189OPERATION AT SEA. Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17045, 28 May 1926, Page 7
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