MOTOR-SHIP HELD UP

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1030, 22 July 1930, Page 16

MOTOR-SHIP HELD UP

CARGO SHIFTED BY SWELL ASTORIA OFF NEW PLYMOUTH Press Association NEW PLYMOUTH, Monday. The strange movements of the Danish motor-ship Astoria were explained when the vessel, which was coming from Auckland, berthed at New Plymouth at 12.40 p.m. yesterday, 24 hours overdue. The ship was lightly laden with phosphate from the Islands and cargo loaded at Auckland. She appeared in the offing at midday on Sunday, and approached the port in a heavy sea, and a stiff gale. Preparations were made for berthing, but the ship sudde'nly changed her course and disappeared to sea at full speed. The harbour officials were surprised, but thought the ship possibly not the Astoria. At six o’clock on Sunday evening the agents received a wireless from the Astoria stating that she was anchored at sea awaiting more moderate weather. Not until noon yesterday did the vessel enter port and berth. It is understood that as the Astoria was about to enter port on Sunday the heavy swell, caused the barrelled oil cargo to shift. Captain F. Heisterburg found it necessary to make for the open sea, and to continue steaming to minimise the roll while the cargo was righted, as there was danger of the oil barrels bursting and damaging the cargo. Early yesterday morning the ship was again approach ing the shore when the cargo again shifted. The sea moderated considerably, however, and the ship reached harbour at noon. This was good fortune, as the sea last evening had again risen considerably under the influence of a strong northerly.