STOPPING HOLES IN SHIPS' BOTTOMS.

Southland Times, Issue 1590, 11 June 1872, Page 2

STOPPING HOLES IN SHIPS' BOTTOMS.

3£ C COII.'S SYSTEM.

The loss of the Megaera has directed public attention to the dangers arising from holes in ships' botfomsy^which may occur at any moment, and are proved to beof more frequent occurrence than is.^generally supposed. When a ship springs a leak the greatest uncertainty usually prevails on board aB to the safest and readiest means ■whereby she may be kept afloat. At first pumping may serve, but with the rush of water, even through a rivet; hole, the size of the aperture increases, and at any moment the water may gain on the pumps, and the ship sink. It is quite unusual that a vessel has the advantage of a diver on board, and not only has the leak to be discovered from, the inside, put the patch on the outside should, be applied in a firm and substantial manner, in any sea, from the interior of the vessel. .■? Mr M.Coll (who has patented his invention) accomplishes this object in two ways. In either dished plates are employed, with a soft and waterproof packing, and as a rule a plate is employed on both the onter and inner side of the aperture. The dishing has the advantage of strengthening the plates, besides insuring a tight joint at the strongest part of the ship's side around the leak- The main point, however, is the application of these plates in any sea-way, and under all circumstances, when once the opening has been discovered. Ibis is effected by dropping through the hole a long narrow weight of lead or othtr metal, attached to one end of a cord or wire the other end of which is secured within the ressel. The weight is then hauled on deck by v eacs of a weighted grappling line dropped over the bow, and drawn along underneath the vessel by means of cords, one at each side. The weight is then removed from the cord, and replaced by a threaded bolt or spindle, upon the outer end of ■which a metal plate with indiarubber or other elastic washer is screwed or otherwise fixed. The cord or wire is dropped overboard, and by means of the opposite end secured within the vessel, the bolt is drawn into the hole, so as to bring the outer plate in position. Another metal piate and elastic washer is then fixad to the bolt on the inside, and the leak effectually closed." Another plan whereby the same object may be attained, is by employing a bar of any required length, and not too lar t e in. diameter, to pass through the hole to be stopped. To this bar, at or near its middle, one end of a threaded bolt is jointed. The bolt can turn on its joint, so as to lie upon the bar or within a slot, in the bar ; and when the bolt is in this position, the bar and bolt are passed through the hole in the vessel into the ■water. The bolt is then lifted by means of a ■wire, and the end drawn through the hole into the vessel, the bar remaining outside across the hole. An indiarubber or other elastic .washer and a metal plate are placed on the bolt, and screwed up tightly by means of a nut. There are various kinds of bars, but the principle never varies,, and the outer bar acts as a stay or support for th& ship's side, and'insures a proper hold for the plates* and packing. — Nautical Magazine.