SAVED FROM DISASTER

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 955, 24 April 1930, Page 18

SAVED FROM DISASTER

CITY OF WINNIPEG’S 1,100MILE TOW MID-ATLANTIC CALL By a hazardous tow of 1,100 miles through terrific seas in the Atlantic in February last year, the steamer City of Winnipeg, now visiting Auckland for the first time, undoubtedly saved the Belgian steamer earlier from disaster. The Ellerman steamer raced to the help of the Carlier, which, having lost her propeller, was at the mercy of the elements. On the morning of the day she received the call for help, the City of Winnipeg was wallowing in a tremendous swell, when the cabinet containing the radio transmitting gear was heaved across the operator’s room to jam against the door. The operator, who was in the room, had to obtain the assistance of two seamen and a crowbar to replace the apparatus, which was not restored to working order until after dark. The S.O.S. from the distressed vessel galvanised the operator, who was resting after his labours, into activity. Several other steamers answered the distress call but the City of Winnipeg was the nearest vessel, being only 75 miles away. That was at nine o’clock at night, but the weather was so heavy that the Ellerman steamer did not reach the other vessel until the middle of the following afternoon. A line was thrown aboard the Carlier just before dusk, but it failed to hold. The City of Winnipeg, under Captain E. E. Bulkeley, could not approach the other vessel the following day, but on the second morning the Carlier shot a line aboard the English vessel with -the rocket apparatus. The course was set for Halifax in slightly improved weather, but on the second night a terrific electrical storm compelled them to turn for the Azores. Nine days later, after a tow of 1,100 miles, when the ships were at the harbour entrance, the tow-line snapped. This trouble, however, was soon overcome. Officers aboard the City of Winnipeg speak very highly of their captain’s coolness and resource throughout his rescue work. The City of Winnipeg brought a general cargo from New York and Baltimore. She is of 5,504 tons gross register, and carries a crew of Lascars The rescued vessel, the Carlier, is a trim craft of 7,217 tons, owned by the Lloyd Royal Beige Line.