TWICE HELPLESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 910, 1 March 1930, Page 6

TWICE HELPLESS

VALACIA AT MERCY OF HURRICANE STEERING GEAR SMASHED Battling against the terrific storm which raged in the Atlantic early in December last year, the Cunard steamer Valacia, which arrived at Auckland yesterday afternoon from Antwerp and New York, twice had her steering gear carried away and the ship was left helpless. The Valacia was one of many ships which sent out messages for help, or else advised, other ships to keep out of their way. The gale, which struck the Valacia, reached hurricane force, i attaining a velocity of 120 miles an ; hour. . . Three lifeboats were struck by heavy seas which reached the boat deck, and one boat was so badly damaged that it had to be renewed later. | During the height of the storm tn© wind kept changing its direction, ana on December 8, when the wind was north-east, the conditions improved. It was then possible to steer by means of the hand-steering gear, and a course j was set for Falmouth, which was i reached on December 9. Repairs to the damage kept the Valacia in port for 14 days, and on December 23 she resumed her voyage. j Crossing the Atlantic to New York the Valacia was beset by westerly gales almost all the way, but the conditions were moderate in comparison with the storm that had compelled her to put into Falmouth.