Rescue Dash to Dredge

These pictures show the Westminster Dredging Company's W.D. 53 on the slip at Whangarei. The W.D. 53 was making across the Tasman for Gisborne when she sprang a leak north-west of Cape Reinga. In response to a mayday call, the Whangarei tug Herekino made a dash to assist the dredge, and in heavy seas was able to put hoses aboard and lower the water level in the stricken vessel. With the tug close at hand, the W.D. 53 was able to reach Whangarei safely.

The dredge, due to assist with the harbour scheme here, will now spend some time in Whangarei undergoing its four-yearly survey.

Other pictures show the dredge on the dry dock at Port Whangarei.

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Inspecting the hull of the dredge at Whangarei are Captain van der Weil (right), a director of the Westminster Dredging Co., and Superintendent Engineer Bob Fry.

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