THE ARAFURA IN CYCLONE

Hokitika Guardian, 4 March 1929, Page 5

THE ARAFURA IN CYCLONE

THRILL] NG EXPERIENCES

i'Australian Press Association)

(Received this day at 10.30. a.m.) BRISBAE, March *4.

Thrilling stories of the Arafura’s experiences in the cyclone were told by a passenger, who paid a tribute to the wonderful work of the ship’s officers and crew.

M.iss Ellison said the waves looked just like alps, and she was unable to see the horizon for giant walls of water. Although the passengers were calm none expected to see land again. She added: “Wo did not take our clothes off for thirtv-six hours.”

According to F. Taylor, the Araiura first developed trouble in the China Sea, when* the vessel struck a submerged object and lost her propollor blade and another blade was lost near Townsville. The cyclone brought down the wireless aerial, and although the wind reached a velocity of seventy miles am hour, the Chinese sailors climbed the mast and repaired the damage under indescribable difficulties. During Thursday night the Coringa’s steering gear failed and she cut the two-line. Huge breakers raked the tug’s forceul which took the disabled vessel in tow on Friday morning.

Commander Gordon, of the Arafura, emphasised it should be compulsory for every ship to he provided with a direction, finder, so that vessels in similar plight, should he able to find their exact position. The Arafura is to he towed to Sydney for permanent repairs.

The cargo steamer Baralba, which also struck the full force of the cyclone reached Brisbane on Saturday.

ARAFURA’S PROGRESS

BRISBANE March 4

Tn the tow, after a terrific battle with the cyclone, the Arafura is moving towards Brisbane in fair weather.