Larsen Badly Damaged

Evening Star, Issue 19800, 25 February 1928, Page 5

Larsen Badly Damaged

[Special to the ‘ Star.’] HALFMOON BAY, February 24. Tho position regarding the whaling ship, C. A. Larsen, remains unchanged, and she is still a centre of attraction to all visitors to the island and residents. To-day, further inspections wore made by divers, whoso reports indicate that tho damage to the vessel’s hull is more extensive than was previously reported. There are many holes along tho starboard side of the vessel, one measuring twenty feet by six, another twelve by fourteen, one eight by six, and several smaller ones.

Such extensive damage only emphasises the fact that the ship’s ofti-

O ——-• One 20ft. Gash Salvage Prospects Good Tug Dunedin now Working

cers were fortunate in beaching the Larsen in, such a good position inside the inlet. The tug Theresa Ward was replaced this morning by the tug Dunedin, negotiations between the board and the ship’s representatives having boon satisfactorily arranged. The tug’s powerful pumps and one on the ship threw out a largo quantity of water from the section of the ship aft of the forepoak, and it is reported that the water is being kept in check very well. This evening’s high tide did not affect the vessel’s position materially, and she, was on a more oven keel, while the pressure, of the tide was not so heavy as on Thursday. It is understood that Captain Ncil-

sen is undertaking the repair work on the ship with the approval of Lloyd’s representatives, and it is estimated that, with favorable weather conditions, the work will take from six to eight weeks to carry out. The ketch Kekeno arrived this afternoon with planking and timber for covering the holes, and the work will be put in hand immediately. The tanks are still holding oil, and judging from inspection, very little is now escaping, which is a good thing for the company. No further estimate is yet available officially as to the quantity lost, but there is-goo dreason to believe that only a minor percentage of the season’s catch is gone. No attempt will be made to move the vessel until temporary repairs have been effected. She will then be moved to a more favorable position for effecting repairs which w ill allow the vessel to be taken to doth. Port Chalmers dock may be selected, more especially as an undertaking has been given to lengthen it slightly to take such a big ship, which measures 520 feet in length, and 66 feet in beam. So far, efforts to get a tanker to lift the oil cargo have not been successful.

No muni ml inquiry is necessary hy the New Zealand Government, as the vessel I- foj.?ign. bur it is understood that the Norwegian Consul (M. E. Wiig) will hold a preliminary inquiry shortly, and forward the papers to Norway, where the cause of the ship striking may be further investigated. Present weather conditions arc nil that could be desired, and, if they continue (as they promise to do), will materially aid the work of saving the ship.