DENSE FOG

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 172, 23 July 1942, Page 6

DENSE FOG

HARBOUR COLLISION

FERRY BOAT DAMAGED

One of the densest fogs of the year enveloped Auckland Harbour and city from an early hour this morning, causing all forms of traffic to proceed with caution and making the job of the harbour ferry service most difficult.

Visibility on the harbour during the peak hour between 8 a.m. and 9.30 fl.m. was at its worst and ferry skippers had a difficult and anxious time.

Despite the great care exercised by all craft on the harbour several near collisions were reported and one collision actually occurred shortly after nine o'clock.

The fog seemed to be at its worst about the middle of the channel, it being impossible to see more than a few yards.

About 8.30 two ferry boats travelling in opposite directions at reduced speed suddenly came face to face and only the prompt action of the respective skippers in this case averted a head-on collision.

The ill-fated Pupuke, bound for Stanley Bay, was one of the victims of the collision which occurred soon after nine o'clock, the other boat being the Makora, bound for Devonport.

Only the most meagre information was available from the Ferry Company, but according to the manager the collision was a head-on one when both boats were outward bound from the ferry wharf.

Fortunately nobody was hurt, but the unhappy Pupuke, only recently repaired after her collision in the last heavy fog some two months ago, now has her opposite end damaged, the bowpost and gunwale above the deck being badly shattered. When again ready for duty the veteran ferry will at least face the world with a rebuilt and repainted new bow at either end.

The damage to the Makora was more slight.