A SALVAGE FEAT.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 April 1925, Page 2

A SALVAGE FEAT.

SYDNEY, April 3.

A remarkarblo feat of salvaging a steamer whioh was considered a total loss lias just been completed at Fort Adelaide. Eleven months ago a disastrous lire and explosions in a cargo of benz.ine occurred on the City of Singapore, practically a new vessel. Three firemen were killed and a dozen others injured in fighting the flames, whose tremendous beat buckled the ship’s plates amidships, and she sank. Lying with only her upper structure visible, it seemed that for the rest of her days the City of Singapore would rust away in the waters of Fort Adelaide. Hut it was not to be.

Air AY. J. Russell, a British salvage expert, arrivd in January as representative of the underwriters of the United Kingdom. He immediately classed the City of Singapore as a C.T.L.—the marine surveyor’s colloquialism for a “constructive total loss.” Time was an essential ol All* Russell’s cantract, for the vessel had to he classed 100 A.I at Lloyd's by December 31st. Docking facilities were not available at the port, so Air Russell determined to raise the sunken steamer and effect such repairs as would enable her to be towed to England and there completely reconditioned. It was a heavy task. Fumping operations were long and arduous. Special tackle had to lie made and rigged to raise the vessel to such a position that the buckled plates could he either patched or removed and new ones substituted. Hut formidable as the jolt was, it was brought lo a successful conclusion. State and Commonwealth navigation and harbour officials lent their hearty 00-operation. The men under Air Russell cordially supported hint, and by their loyalty which he highly praised, the stupendous task was completed.

Ugly, rusted, patched, though she now is, Air Russell is confident- that the City of .Singapore is sufficiently senwor thy to withstand the huffetings of tt long tow to England. Two tugs have been specially brought out for the deep-sea towage feat. A pumping plant in charge of Alt* Russell’s soil, has been installed. In a few days the City of Singapore, once thought to he doomed perpetually to barnacles and rust, will lie wallowing clumsily down to sea in the wake of the tugs on the long tow that will end in the repair dock.