HEAVY SEAS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20761, 23 June 1937, Page 6

HEAVY SEAS

MISHAP ON VEHICULAR FERRY By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLANL, June 22 Heavy seas in Waitemata Harbour to-night were responsible for the overturning of a large transport lorry fully laden which was crossing from Auckland to Devonport on the vehicular ferry boat. The reinforced bulwarks of the vessel prevented the lorry from toppling into the harbour, and the heavy vehicle came to rest on the deck Lying on its left hand side. The lorry, a six wheeled trailer type, is owned by the Northern Transport, Limited. Just after the ferry boat had cleared the end of the eastern tide deflector she encountered the full force of the seas which were being swept down the harbour by a strong north-easterly wind. Suddenly the lorry started to lurch amazingly and at the first sign of danger, the driver , jumped clear. After one or two more ominous lurches the heavy vehicle suddenly toppled over and came to rest against the port bulwarks. Its cargo was covered with tarpaulins and securely lashed and remained intact. As the lorry crashed down on to the deck its petrol tank burst open. One of the ferry boat’s hands dashed forward with a fire extinguisher in case of emergency, but almost immediately a wave broke over the deck and washed the flood of petrol away.

In addition to the lorry several other vehicles were on board the ferry boat. However, there was sufficient clear space in the bows to enable the cars to be driven ashore at Devonport. A break-down truck was brought on board the ferry at the Auckland landing, but the lorry, still reclining on its side, had to be unloaded before any attempt could be made to right it.