STRANDED ZINGARA

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1929, Page 1

STRANDED ZINGARA

TUG WESTLAND ALSO ASHORE Tho lug Westland which came from iGreymouth yesterday afternoon for the purpose of towing the Zingara to sea from her position on the sea front on tho south side of the southern protection works, as stated in onr issue j yesterday afternoon, came into the river for the purpose of getting a towrope aboard from the Zingara. While engaged in this purpose, and with tho tow rope actually on hoard, the tug grounded on a side hank that fills the south side of the river, for the whole distance of the south works, and is high and dry at low water. When the tug grounded, the heavy ground swell that was running along the line of works soon took charge and the tug was washed up higher and higher in towards the shore, till she lay on her side almost without moving, in spite of the heavy seas that were constantly striking her. With the tug in this predicament all hope of the Zingara being got off went hv the hoard for the time being. The Zingara by this time had been driven in on an even keel parallel to the south works, and was almost stationary, not being affected much by the seas. A line was ultimately run out from the tug to the north wall, hut this did not prove sufficient to enable the tug to lie brought into deeper water. The tide by this time was falling, and it was seen nothing further could lie done till the next tide. By 7 o'clock the tug was high and dry on (lie sandhank. apparently not damaged. Arrangements wore then begun to place a winch in position on the north tip head with a view -to hauling the tug into the river on the next tide. During the night operations were continued with a view to refloating the tug, but they did not prove successful during the early morning tide, though the tug was shifted a considerable distance towards tho, deep water. It is loped to refloat the vessel on this altorn'oon’s tide. The position of the Zingara is not as favourable as it was. The heavy sea yesterday shifted the vessel further .up the bank and closer into the south protection works, which will prove a danger if she strikes them. There is some damage done to the rudder post and the propel lor. Nothing can ho doin' to assist the Zingara till toe lug is got off.