SALVAGE WORK

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21530, 18 December 1939, Page 4

SALVAGE WORK

Wrecked Waikouaiti No Delay, Says Company Bv Telegraph—Pfps® Association INVERCARGILL, December 15. Interviewed, Mr P. L. Hodge. Invercargill manager of the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand. Ltd., made the following statement regarding that portion of the remarks of the chairman of the Bluff Harbour Board in condemnation of the delay in salving, especially cargo or gear from shipwrecks, which bears on the salvage work at the Waikouaiti:— “The chairman refers to the loss of time in commencing salvaging of cargo but actually no time was lost. There was no waiting for underwriters to make up their minds, as is asserted in the statement. The shipowner is in authority to undertake salvage work on behalf and at the expense of all concerned, at his own discretion, but his paramount obligation is to ensure that the cost of operations will not exceed the realisable value of th* salvage effected. “The position at the Waikouaiti was that experienced men, including the Union Steam Ship Company's local marine superintendent from Dunedin, were of the opinion during the ' first two days that as the Waikouaiti j was liable to slip off the rocks and sink, it was out of the question to place men on board. It had been | considered necessary to land the master and skeleton crew remaining aboard. Use of Tug Denied “When it became apparent that the Waikouaiti was settling down and might be held temporaiily, salvage work was commenced promptly, notwithstanding numerous difficulties, and in face of the obligation to be certain that the expenditure incurred would not exceed the value of the salvage. “The chairman's assertion that the m.v. Gale could have been placed alongside the Waikouaiti to receive cargo is contrary to the practical facts. The idea was fully considered, but competent nautical advice was that it was far too risky, which is confirmed by the fact that the Harbour Board itself declined to allow its tug to be used because of the condition of the Waikouaiti.” Mr Hodge concluded by emphasising that the Union Company maintained on its staff in New Zealand men fully experienced in all aspects of ship salvage, and expressed the opinion that no other organisation is better qualified to handle to the advantage of all concerned a position such as arose when the Waikouaiti stranded on Dog Island. He said a tender had been let to Messrs Roderique and Sons to continue salvaging with two vessels.