TRAWLER HOLED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 88, 15 November 1939, Page 5

TRAWLER HOLED

MISHAP AT WHALE ISLAND VESSEL BEACHED While making Whale Island fo- ■ shelter, in the face of the northerly bluster last Sunday evening, the • seine fishing trawler, Waiwera, owned by Waitemata Fisheries Limited ' of Auckland, struck on a submerged reef and was badly damaged. It ' is understood that the launch which -was under the command of Captain Alex Duthie, was proceeding to the lee of the island through very thich weather when the mishap occurred. After some careful manoeuvring it was possible to beach the launch, •and temporary measures were taken to effect repairs. At the time of the •accident it is stated that there was practically no visibility and most of the crew were engaged in cleaning the catch. The men spent the night on the island and reported the incident to the company's secretary in Auckland, Mr H. S. Barry* on Monday. "The members of the crew besides Captain Duthie are Messrs W. Corden (engineer), L. Grigg and John "Duthie (deck hands). Mr M, A. Devcich, the company's manager arrived in Whakatane yesterday in company with an expert. An investigation will be made with regard to repairs, and the disposal of the catch. The Waiwera was insured against fire risk but not -aaginst Maritime risk. If it is discovered that the damage is extensive, the company will be heavy losers as the total avlue of the craft "is £3500. She is a 73 ton vessel (gross) and. is 50ft. long with a beam of A'well known fishing vessel in the Bay of Plentj" considerable •concern was felt for the members of the crew when the news was first received in Whakatane. A number *of exaggerated rumours served to heighten the apprehension but by Monday evening the reassuring ■port of the men's safety was received

Efforts are now being made to -effect temporary repairs to enable ihe Waiwera to be towed to port.