Drama on the High Seas

One Sunday afternoon last month, a Japanese trawler, the Showa Maru II, was sighted in the bay off Gisborne. When communication was established with her, it was found that one of her crew was suffering from appendicitis and required urgent medical attention.

The trawler was towed into port, and the man was transferred to Cook Hospital for an operation.

The trawler sailed away, and returned later when the crewman was ready for duty again.

The Showa Maru's second visit coincided with high seas and a violent southerly gale. She stood off the breakwater while the gallant little Takitimu from Gisborne went out to give her an anchorage chart so that she could heave-to until the weather abated.

These pictures, shot by Photo News as the launch ploughed up and down the enormous waves, show something of the drama of the operation. The launch was under the command of the harbour-master, Captain McRae, with the launch-master, Mr Doug Chatfield, at the controls.

×

 

• 

Showa Maru is almost hidden by waves as Takitimu draws near

×

 

• 

Johnny Madden grips chart as launch comes alongside

×

 

• 

Water spouts as heaving ships close in and chart is handed to waiting Japanese.