Papuan Apinaipi Co.

Launch Wrecked

Loss of Machinery is Setback for Papuan Apinaipi Co.

THE 7-tons launch “Apinaipi”, owned by the Apinaipi Petroleum Co., Ltd., was wrecked recently on the Biaru Bar, Gulf Division, Papua. No lives were lost and no one was injured; but valu able stores and machinery were lost.

They will throw the Co.’s plans out of gear, until the machinery is replaced.

The vessel was on her way to the base camp at the Biaru River from Port Moresby when a squall arose. The waves quickly tore off the deck-house and flood ed the engine-room, completely wrecking her. On board were Messrs. T. Rowe and Tynan, with a crew of three; they were flung on to a sand spit at the south east of the entrance, and managed to reach shore safely.

Everything on board was lost; but most of it was covered by insurance. However, the disorganisation of the transport ser vice and the loss of the machinery, which formed part of the cargo, will greatly in convenience the Company.

Papuan Apinaipi Petroleum Co., Ltd., which was registered in the territory to search for oil in April, 1937, holds Permit No. 6. Its concession is an area to the west of Jokea, on the old Popo oilfield.