TUG IN A STORM

Taranaki Daily News, 31 August 1933, Page 10

TUG IN A STORM

SWEPT BY HEAVY SEAS. ROUGH TRIP TO SYDNEY. Wellington, Aug. 29. , Experiences of the crew of the tug Theresa Ward, which encountered stormy weather almost throughout her recent voyage from Bluff to Sydney, were related by Mr. G. Clarke, one of the little vessel's company, who returned by the Wanganella to-day. Mr. Clarke said the deck was awash from the second day out until the end of the voyage, but considering the weather the Theresa Ward proved ■ herself a splendid seaboat. At the height of the storm conditions were so bad that several members of the crew feared the ship might founder, but she rode out the heavy seas without damage. A drum » of oil was lashed to the side and a hole was made in it allowing the oil to escape. This had the effect of calming tire seas. The cook had a particularly unpleasant task, said Mr. Clarke. Seas were continually invading the galley and his fire was extinguished no fewer than five - times. Two carcases of meat which were hanging on deck were washed off tire hooks and could not be eaten. For the greater part of tire voyage tined food was used. Walking along the deck was hazardous, for there was always the danger that a big sea would sweep the deck and carry one overboard. * The storm lasted for about five days, during which the Theresa Ward was driven well over 100 miles out of her course. Only 40 hours’ good weather was experience during the voyage. One of the rudder chains broke on the fourth day out, continued Mr. Clarke, and it was several hours before repairs were completed. In the meantime the vessel was helpless and rolled violently in the heavy seas. By the time the tug reached Sydney everything on deck was smothered in oil and the upper works were encrusted with salt. Nobody cn board had much sleep during the storm. As a matter of fact, concluded Mr. Clarke, sleep was practically out of the question owing to the vessel s liveliness.