THE EFFECT OF OIL IN CALMING THE SEA.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 201, 14 March 1877, Page 2

THE EFFECT OF OIL IN CALMING THE SEA.

A very interesting account of tlio application of oil to mitigate the raging of the sea, and so relieve a vessel in a storm, has been received by the Bombay mail, in relation to the King Cedric, a vessel of ],400 tons, which left Liverpool in June last for Bombay, When off the Cape of Good Hope slie encountered a heavy gale from the north-west, which continued for some time. Tremendous seas broke over the ship, bursting in the main hatch, washing away the hatchhouses and boat, smashing in the front of the eaoiu, and destroying the captain and oflieer’s stores and clothing. A young lad, one of the crew, was carried, overheard, and it was impossible to rescue him. The gale lasted lor nearly live flays, and though ail the time vessel stood it very well, it was impossible to repair any of the damage, ; s> the waves were continually sweeping her deck. At length the chief offio-r, Mr Bowyer, suggested the trial ■ f throwing oil upon the water. Twocanvas clothes hags were obtained, and into each two gallons of fine oil were poured, the bags being punctured Slightly, and flung over each quarter in tow o! the vessel. The effect was magical ; the waves uo longer broke over tin 1 ]ioop and sides of the ship, !mt several yards away, where the oil had spread itself over the surface, and around the poop, in the wake of the vessel, was a large circuit of calm water. The crew were thus 'aide to repair the damage with greater east', ami the ship was relieved from the tremendous shocks she had previously received from the heavy seas. The two bags lasted two days, after which, the worst fury of the gale having expended itself, no more oil was used.— Kxchaivjp.