PACIFIC TOW IN HEAVY SWELL DELAYS SHIPS

Grey River Argus, 13 October 1948, Page 3

PACIFIC TOW IN HEAVY SWELL DELAYS SHIPS

PA. AUCKLAND, October 12. Reaching the final stages of the 2200-mile tow from the Eastern Pacific the P. and O. liner motorship, Palana, and the disabled British freighter, Fernmoor, were labouring in'a heavy southerly swell to-day. t his was reported by the Palana s master, Captain F. R. Spurr, in his daily wireless message. , He stated that the noon position was 34deg, 40min south, 178 deg, 48 min west, the day’s run being 6b miles. „,, „ . . Reflections of of the Palana s London seamen are again the subject of a note in Captain Spurr’s message. A seaman watching the gyrations of the Fernmoor said: “Blimy, look at 'er up and dahn, up and dahn. First 'e stands on ’is ’ead and ’e sits on his tail; then ’e rolls and pitches, but I’m waiting”. “Waiting?” asked his companion. "Wot for?” “Waiting ter see if he can loop the perishing loop and ’ang ’isself with 'l'"'’ blinking towline!” ~/ith that the two ships are running on to an area of light and variable winds, the tow should »nd at Auckland toward the end of this week. Arrangements are being made for two Auckland Harbour Board tugs to meet the vessels in Hauraki Gulf be-

tween the Rangitoto Beacon and TiriKri and to take the tow from the Palana The Palana will enter the nort for fuelling, but it is not yet known how long she will remain here before resuming her voyage to Lond°Unlil shore engineers have examined the Fernmoor’s engines, no estimate can be made of the duration of her stay at Auckland. Replacement parts have already arrivad by air from London.