THE PORT ELLIOTT.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 March 1924, Page 4

THE PORT ELLIOTT.

SALVAGE AVO.UK COMPLETED. GISBORNE, March 25. The salvage operations on the Port Elliott have been coiVdiuled. Practically all the cargo was secured, only a litte general cargo in No. 3 hold being left behind. In addition the greater part of the bunker coal was salvaged, and a considerable amount of the ship’s fittings. After the hulk of The cargo was shifted a commencement was made with the removal of the actual fittings, and the vessel has

now been stripped bare of; all valueable gear. Two things favoured the operations throughout—the position of the vessel and the weather experienced during the whole time salvage operations were in progress. Very few rough days were experienced, and on only one -occasion did those on board feel any alarm at their position. This was during tin tail end of an easterly gale, when the ship rocked about a good deal. ' lightens could get alongside for sonu days, and had anything happened l

the shin the position of those on hoard would have been an unenviable one. The work was not without incident, and several accidents were narrowly averted. On March 19th. a. fire broke out in the vessel and caused some alarm. Acetone gas had been used to cut through some of the beams in the saloon, and it is believed that this caused a fire in the roof of the saloon. Tills smouldered for some considerable time, and on March 9tli those on hoard were aware that a fire was in progress A bucket brigade was formed, and after < some time the outbreak was extinguished. At the time the fire was in pro- i gress there was a rather heavy sea run- < ning. and the lighters could not gel near the vessel. A fair amount of ■ damage was done by the flames. The only gear left aboard when the salvage crew left consisted of two donkey-engines, and these will be refrieved by the Koutunui in the near future. The vessel will still have much ’ the same appearance from the shore, as the masts bridge and funnel arc all intact; but apart from the shell there is really very little left of what F was once a proud Home liner. 1