Limping Across
p. 39 · Read in the full issue
Pacific
Adventures of S.S. Solafric
From Our Own Correspondent.
SUVA, Sept. 26.
MISHAPS have crowded thick and fast upon the Andrew Weir motor vessel Solafric, which left this port after re pairs to her engines, for Callao on Sep tember 6.
The Solafric, 2126 tons, and one of the earliest of Diesel-engined ships, was built in 1909. She was formerly the Song dal, and prior to that, the Folkvard.
She left Calcutta early in May with a general cargo of gunnies, shellac, pig iron, etc., bound for Callao. The main crank shaft of her engines broke in the Bay of Bengal, and the vessel drifted aimlessly for days, but eventually reached Soura baya, where repairs were effected. Fur ther engine trouble was experienced, and the master, Captain Morrow, put into Port Moresby for further repairs.
Again she broke down, and drifted helplessly for days, in seas bestrewn with reefs. For four days she was within a quarter of a mile of a reef eleven miles long. All the ship’s tarpaulins were rigged as sails; but the master expected the ship to go ashore at any time. The boats were slung out, and all hands wore life-jackets, night and day. However, a freakish current swung the vessel along the face of the reef and actually carried her through a narrow and difficult pas sage.
Repairs were effected at sea, and, with stores running low, as well as further en gine adjustments being necessary, the master put into Suva on August 31.
Messrs. Bish Ltd. effected repairs, and the ship put to sea again on September 6.
A week later, she was in trouble again, for a message was received in Suva on September 14, stating that the Solafric was broken down and drifting, 1050 miles from Suva. The steamer Trentbank, be longing to the same company, was then going to her assistance, and, it is under stood, would tow her to Callao.