SHIPS DRIVEN ASHORE BY THE STORM

Grey River Argus, 13 April 1948, Page 4

SHIPS DRIVEN ASHORE BY THE STORM

ADELAIDE, April 12. Damage estimated at hundreds of thousands of pounds was caused by a storm which is considered to have been the worst experienced in living memory. The sea front suffered most heavily. The survey sloop H.M.A.S. Barcoo (1400 tons) dragged her anchor and is ashore 50 yards from the beach just north of Glenelg? In Port Adelaide a freighter the River Murchison (5062 tons) broke adrift and was blown across the river. She was considerably damaged when she struck a wharf and another freighter. The freighters Moray Bank (7307 tons) and Empire Dirk (2942 tons’ also dragged their moorings, but were quickly recovered. In the outer harbour, where the wind reached the record velocity of 84 miles an hour, two ketches broke adrift and went aground. One. which carries a cargo of 80 tons of grain, is now expected to become a total loss.

The Barcoo was gradually swept in-shore overnight and she >s nuw bumping heavily in the sand in only about nine feet of water. Fifty men are still aboard, but they are considered not to be exposed to any danger. Tugs, which were unable to help the Barcoo last night are standing by and will attempt to tow her oif to-day.