FATE OF WHALE CHASERS

Taranaki Daily News, 27 December 1929, Page 13

FATE OF WHALE CHASERS

TWO REPORTED TO BE SUNK NO CONFIRMATION OBTAINABLE. RUMOURED CRUSHING IN ICE-PACK. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, Last Night. It was reported in Dunedin on Tuesday afternoon that two of the whale chasers attached to 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 also stated that the crews of these chasers were rescued by the factory ships, which happened to be close to the smaller vessels. However, the names of the chasers and other- definite information are not available, and when questioned this morning the wireless operator of the Eleanor Bolling, who is in constant communication with the whaling fleet, denied knowledge of any such happening as was reported. “Even if we knew that these whale chasers had been -sunk we could not give out any information,” he said. Messrs. Brodrick and Clialmer, local agents for Lloyd’s, with whom the Rosshaven fleet operating the C. A. Larsen is insured, stated to-day that no word -had come to them. In any case if a loss was reported to Lloyd’s the news would be received by the Invercargill agent. There the matter stands until the rumour is proved correct or otherwise by official intimation.