TANKER IN ROADSTEAD

Taranaki Daily News, 28 June 1934, Page 4

TANKER IN ROADSTEAD

UNABLE TO ENTER PORT SHIPPING AFFECTED BY GALE. ROUGH CONDITIONS IN OPEN -SEA For the first time for many years a vessel was unable to enter the port of New Plymouth yesterday. A high wind made conditions unfavourable for berthing the oil-tanker Filef jell on the eastern side of the Newton King wharf, and she remained in the roadstead throughout the day and last night. It was hoped to berth her at 6 o’clock this morning.

The Zealandic, from Wellington, arrived at New Plymouth early yesterday morning, and despite decidedly adverse circumstances was berthed alongside the western side of the Newton King wharf. No attempt was made to bring in the tanker on account of her very light cargo, 3700 tons of bulk spirit, and the possible difficulty in keeping control of the vessel without the assistance of a tug. It is understood that had there been any other berth available the tanker would have been berthed, but the conditions were such that it was too dangerous to consider bringing the vessel alongside the eastern side of the Newton King wharf. From the shore it appeared that the Filefjell was receiving a thorough buffeting throughout yesterday.

The coastal vessels Hauturu and Totara made port in time to escape the major force of the storm. The vessels were unable to discharge cargo yesterday. Fishing launches at the port sought all available shelter last night. A rough trip home was experienced by the launches Sicilia and Gallileo on their return on Tuesday evening from a fishing expedition. High seas were experienced all along the coast yesterday. The breakwater was a mass of raging water, while along the front of the railway station and the cliffs at the foot of Eliot Street the spray rose to great heights. Heavy rains fell during the early part of last night, flooding many of the streets. At 10 o’clock last night the storm was abating and the wind veering to southwest. No damage has been reported.