STILL ON THE SAND

Evening Star, Issue 19799, 24 February 1928, Page 2

STILL ON THE SAND

THE C. A. LARSEN’S PLIGHT DIVER TO MAKE FULL EXAMINATION TUG DUNEDIN NOT OPERATING. [Special to the ‘Star.’] HALFMOON BAY, February 23. No efforts to move the C. A. Larsen were made this afternoon at high tide, as the diver (Mr Arthur, ■of Port Chalmers) had not made Ids examination of the damage to the -vessel’s bottom. He made a brief survey for ton minutes, and then returned to the surface, subsequently going down again for a longer period. His report is said to indicate very extensive damage to the plates along the starboard side from the bow to ’midships, and it is difficult at this stage to know whether it will be possible to patch the holes made when the vessel struck Faro Rock, and also when being dragged by the chasers to a place of safety. The Otago Harbor Board’s tug Dunedin stood alongside all day, and no pumping was attempted, as terms had not been agreed to between the vessel s owners and the hoard officials. So fatno settlement has been reached. Meanwhile, the tug Theresa Ward has been carrying on steadily with a fair measure of success so far as the forehold is concerned; but any raising of the vessel may mean that there will be an inrush of water which might make the effort abortive.

Tito vessel is still lying in her original position, and though the stern is slightly higher above water, due to lightering work to-day, she has a more pronounced list to starboard; and with a, continuance of calm weather is not likely to move much, as kedge anchors are out fore ami aft.

The chasers are still standing by, and these powerful little boats are kept constantly employed in carrying out the different work necessary to safeguard the big ship. No actual investigation has been made yet to ascertain how many tanks are affected or the amount of oil lost, but the estimate given to-day (half the cargo) is said to be approximately correct.

It is expected that when Lloyd’s representative from Dunedin, Mr Crawford, arrives this evening some finality will be reached as to whether the company will attempt to save the vessel themselves or hand her over to the underwriters.

The spring tide this afternoon was exceptionally high, being estimated at 2ft above yesterday’s, and this was apparent.

As the vessel’s fore part was lying hard on the bottom it was impossible for the diver to make an exhaustive examination to-day. hut with the arrival of further diving equipment tomorrow a more thorough search will be possible, and a bettor idea gained as to future operations.

There is ;i decided difference of opinion ns to whether the vessel can bo salved or will have to be abandoned. Some consider that the vessel is too badly damaged to permit of temporary repairs being effected, but others, again, hold the view that the position is not yet hopeless. It would seem ns if the loss of oil from the damaged tanks has been frustrated by the vessel settling down hard into the sandy bottom and by the heavy pressure of water from outside. The port tanks are still intact, while it is believed that some of those, on the other side have not been affected by the damage done to the vessel. If that be the case, then the loss of oil may be even less than anticipated.

The inlet, presents a peculiar sight with wide patches of oil-covered water extending for a considerable distance. Many penguins are making their appearance around the coast, and may be attracted by the whale oil, which lias a pungent smell.

Though forced to act quickly alter the vessel struck on Tuesday night, Captain Neilson must have acted wisely, and with an element of luck in his favor, as it has since been ascertained that only a short distance from where the vessel now lies there is a very deep channel of water, and if the Larsen had gone there she would have sunk to her mastheads. However, she is resting on the edge of a sandbank, and with the shallower witer extending right across to Rabbit island an attempt may bo made to move ber further in if it is found possible to save ber.

IN EXPOSED POSITION

[Per United Press Association.]

INVERCARGILL, February 23

There appears to bo no improvement in the position of the C. A. Larsen, the Norwegian whale ship lying aground in Paterson Inlet. The owners and agents are quite satisfied with the work of the Bluff Harbor Board’s tug Theresa Ward, which has been using her salvage pumps in the No. 1 hold of the stricken ship. Captain Scofield, in charge of the tug, stated yesterday that the water had not gained on them since they started pumping, and though the tides this afternoon had been excephad not been detrimentally affected, tionally high the position of the vessel Ac 3.45 p.m. yesterday a diver descended to make an examination of the ship’s bottom, and came to the surface agaiu a few minutes later. He submitted a confidential report to the harbor master (Captain J. M'Lean) of Dunedin. The contents of the report have not yet been disclosed. The vessel is in a dangerous position, as she is in a portion of Paterson Inlet which is exposed to the full force of an easterly sea, and should a gale spring up from that quarter, the safety of the ship will be greatly imperilled.