Struggle To Save Crippled Collier

Chronicle (Levin), 21 February 1949, Page 5

Struggle To Save Crippled Collier

WESTPORT, Feb. 20. When the Holm .Shipping Company's coastal vessel Holmlea sprung a leak after leaving Greymouth last evening with (500 tons of coal for Wanganui, it was necessary for the-Marine Department 's tug at Westport, James O-'Brien, to proceerl hurrierRv to the vicinity ot Granity to take the stricken vessel in tow. It was not possible, however, this afternoon at high tide to enter the port of Westport because of the quantity of water in the ship making it difficult to assess the draught aceurately, while conditions were such as to make it inadvisable to--ri.sk the tovv across the bar. It is apparent that the Holmlea was in difficulties for a time. before it sent' a radio message to Wellington from where a call was made to Westport for the assistance of the tug. The James 0"Brien, with- the Westport harbourmaster, Captain A. Ness, in charge, ieft the port at 3 a.m. expecting to meet the collier oH -the bar but instead it had to proceed almost 15 niiles up the'.eoast before it could locate "hhe Holmlea. By that time the ship had taken in a lot ot water which presumably flooded the stokehold and engine room as its fires were out and it was lying helpless close to shore in a strong south westerly wind. The men on the tug saw breakers very close and found the work of getting a line on to the Holmlea very difficult as there was a defini'te possibiiity that either of them miglit have gone ashore. After the line was fastem ed to the collier it broke but the second attempt was more suceessful and despite heavy seas, it was possible for the rescue ship to get the Holmlea clear. It was hoped to° enter Westport at high water but after standing off the bar in a heavy swell from midday, the cable broke just as consideration was being given to the possibiiity of taking her in. The dredge Eileen Ward was standing close by but the Holmlea was able to anchor in a favourable position just off the bar, allowing the other vessels to make port. , It is intended to make an attempt to bring the collier to Westport on the morning tide at approximately 5 a.m, In the meantime it does not appear to be in any great danger although well down in the water. The Holmlea earries a complement of 18 men and has been a regular tracler between West Coast and North Island ports.