SHIP IN DANGERS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 July 1930, Page 3

SHIP IN DANGERS

STRANGE MOVEMENTS OFF PORT. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, July Strange.movements on the part of the Danish motor-ship “Astoria” were explained when a vessel ' from Auckland berthed at New Plymouth at 12.4(0 p.m. to-day, twenty-four hours The ship was lightly laden with phosphate from the Islands, and with cargo loaded at Auokand. She apeared in the dffing at midday on Sunday, and approached the port in a heavy sea and stiff gale. Preparations were made for berthing her, but' the ship suddenly changed her course, and 'she disappeared to sea at full speed. The harbour officials were surprised, but they thought that the ship was possibly not*, the “Astoria.” At six o’clock on. Sunday, evening the agents received a wurejess from, the Astoria” stating that it was anchored, at sea, and was awaiting the moderation of the weather. Not until noon to-day did the vessel enter port, and berth. •.* ■-. • : ■ . ... . ~ It is stated that as the ‘ Astoria was' about to enter port on Sunday, a heavy swell caused her barrelled oil cargo to '-shift.;; Captain , Heisterbur.gj found it necessary to., make for the open sea and to continue steaming .so as to minimise the roll while the cargo was being righted, as there was a danger of the oil barrels bursting and damaging the cargo. . Early this morning the ship was again approaching the shore when the cargo- again shifted. The sea moderated considerably, however, and the ship returned to the liarboui at noon. Tins was a piece of good fortune, as the sea-this evening has again risen considerably under the influence of a staibng“northerly wind, .. 'j, !k! — : -/— '