SALVAGE OPERATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1928, Page 1

SALVAGE OPERATIONS

By Telegraph—Press Assn., Copyright. INVERCARGILL, Feb. 27. The position of the C. A. Larsen is unchanged, but precautions have been taken to prevent any mishaps from heavy weather, the boat being tied fore and aft by hawsers, and extra lines also being out on the port and starboard sides. Tbe vessel has been lightened aft by the discharge of ft quantity of oil, which lias been transferred to the Sir Janies Clark Ross. Tliis afternoon tbe tug Dunedin lay alongside, but pumping operations were at a standstill, tbe C. A. Larsen’s pumps being quite able to handle the necessary water. It is not intended to pump the forward end of tlio ship clear until actual repair work has been put in hand, as it is feared that if too much water is removed, the pressure of the sea will crumple tlio tank tops. Two diverts went down again this afternoon, and it is now proposed to dig a hole in tho sand under tlio vessel, so that, the damage to the hull can bo estimated by the divers, who can then walk underneath. A great quantity of oil still surrounds the vessel and to-day the sea along the bows on the starboard side was covered with a great shoot of thick yellow scum, like a stagnant pond. Tbe work of blowing the sand from under tbe ship will bo commenced this week. Erections of timber are being driven into flic son bottom to prevent incoming tides refilling tbe role. It is estimated that it will take ten weeks to complete the operations, and put plates over the holes. Tho Sir James Clark Ross will sail for Norway on Wednesday and will carry tlio Captains of tbe Larsen's chasers home. The Larsen's men who are not required at the base will have passages to Norway arranged at an early date. Mr Rasmussen, son of one of the owners of the Company is on board the Larsen and will remain at tbe Rase at Price’s Bay. He stated that while learning the whaling business, liefore returning to Norway next year to enter his father’s office, lie was signed on the ship’s articles for a trip as an ordinary seaman, and has been working on winches and tlio meat deck. He is a graduate of a Norwegian Unversity. “Tt is a great experience,” be said, but it is certainly hard work. Still, to run a business, one must see it. from tho point of view of those who work. They are very thorough in Norway. Wo learn everything we can.