UNCONFIRMED REPORT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17143, 27 December 1929, Page 12

UNCONFIRMED REPORT

WHALING DISASTERS

i TWO SHIPS SAID TO BE SUNK

(Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, last night. It was reported in Dunedin on Tuesday afternoon that two of-the whale chasers attached to the Norwegian ships in southern waters had 'been crushed in the ice pack and that such was the extent of the damage that they had foundered. It was uiso stated that tho crews of these chasers were rescued by the factory ship, which happened to bo close -to the smaller vessels.

I However, the names of the chasers and other definite information arc not available, and, when questioned this morning, tho wireless operator of the Eleanor Boiling, who is in constant communication with the whaling fleet, denied knowledge of any such happen; ing as was reported. '' Even if we know that these whale chasers had been sunk, wo could not give out any information," he said. Messrs. Brodrick and Chalmer, local' agents for Lloyds, with whom tho Rosshaveh fleet operating the C. A. Larson is insured, stated to-day that no word had come to them. . In any case, if the loss was reported to Lloyds, the news would be received' by the Invercargill agent and there tnc matter, stands until the rumor is-proved correct or otherwise byofficial intimation.

Messages received by the wireless operator on the Eleanor Boiling state that the ice is the heaviest experienced for many years. Tho whalers were experiencing great difficulty in forcing a passago through tho ice.' ,', ' The factory ships belonging to th>, three, companies entered the ice pack, two weeks ago, but are having a rough time. Whales are plentiful onthe outside of the ice pack and the chasers have made good catches. i The Eleanor Boiling and tho City, of New York will not now leave hero until noxt month. •■•'■•