Pull On The Wanganella Again Put Off

Wanganui Chronicle, 31 January 1947, Page 5

Pull On The Wanganella Again Put Off

GOOD WEATHER EXPECTED TO CONTINUE (P.A.) Wellington, Jan. 30 Confident of the good weather holding, those in charge of the salvage operations on the liner Wanganella held off an attempt to shift the vessel from Barrett’s Reef to-day. The attempt could have been made in a calm, but there were many details which, if attended to, increased tne chances af success. Chief of these was the elosing ot some leakages apparent in the sealed forepeak. In addition, the diver (Mr. J. E. Johnstone) wanted still further acquaintance with the hull and reef upon whicli it rests. He was under water for a substantial period in the morning.

On board th e activity of the previous days, if not so general, was highly concentrated. At high water there was still 23 feet of wat.er showing in the bow and the stern seemed to ride slightly higher. This was the hour by which tiie maximum effort probably would have been made had the final salvage attempt been undertaken. Both the tugs Terawhiti and Kahanui worked on the Wanganella during the day. In the afternoon the Terawhitt took on her steel towing cable at the Queen's Wharf. On the last occasion when the tug put a line on the Wanganella the pull was sternwards at about 45b degrees from the length of the ship, the tug’s nose being aimed at Baning Head. It is understood that a very slight movement ot the vessel (two degrees) took place. It is expected that similar tactics will be included on a bigger scale when the final pull is attempted. Sixty members of the Wanganella’s crew will proceed to Sydney In the Dominion Monarch to-morrow.

It was learned to-day that not until the captain of the Wanganella comes ashor e will a decision be made by the Marine Department as to whether a preliminary inquiry into the marine casualty will take place.