GALE FOULS MOLE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20126, 20 April 1928, Page 6

GALE FOULS MOLE

PROPELLER BADLY DAMAGED TERAWHITI TO TOW VESSEL TO WELLINGTON. On arrival at Wanganui on Wednesday from Picton the Canterbury Steam Shipping Company’s coastal steamer Gale, ran foul of the north mole, the vessel’s propeller being considerably damaged. There was a heavy sea running at the time, but the vessel did not get out of control. When approaching the north mole the steamer apparently swerved and the propeller came in contact with the breakwater, the blades being badly damaged. The master was able to right the vessel, which proceeded up the river under her own steam to the Town Wharf. The opinion among local shipping circles is that the captain di>l very well to hamlie the vessel without any further mishap, owing to the difficulty of steering in a confined area. The harbourmaster, Captain Alclntyre, reports that the occurrence took place when the vessel was inside the mole. She took a sheer to port and touched stem on to the north mole, abreast of the south mole. She immediately fell broadside on to the wall, but id'id not remain. She drew off and .proceeded up the river. To Be Slipped. Investigations made show that the vessel’s propeller is so badly damaged that she will be unable to go to sea unaided ? It was therefore decided t hat she would have to be taken to Wellington. She will go on the slip at Afiramar, where a new propeller will be fitted. At first it was thought that the Wanganui Harbour Board's lug Kahanui would be commissioned tn tow the Gale to the southern port, but the head office of the company in Wellington has decided otherwise. A message received yesterday states that the Union Company’s tug Terewhiti left at 4 p.m. for Wanganui, where she was due this morning. It is expected that the Gale will be got away to-day. An Up-To-Date Tug. Considerable surprise has been expressed at the course that has been adopted, it being pointed out that the Kahanui. which is perhaps th ( » most up-to-date tug in the Dominion, would have been able to do the necessary work. She has all the necessary power and speed for towing work, and as was expresei 1 yesterday by those closely connected with shipping “there’s nothing much to beat her.”