MV "Polynesian"

Breaks Down Off NSW Coast

rE “Polynesien,” the 1,422 tons motor ship which runs between Noumea and Sydney, had a narrow escape from destruction between March 1 and 4 when she became disabled in heavy seas off the New South Wales coast. She was take Ji m tow by another French vessel on March 4 when only half a mile off the rocks at Green Point. She was carrying 20 passengers from Noumea to Sydney; they were standing by ready to abandon ship when help came. i ip 1 !? ' F rP T ap if a,” the rescue ship, had left Port Kembla on March 1, with 3,000 to ™ °LP oal and coke for Noumea, but when 140 miles out picked up a wireless message from the “Polynesien” which said that she was disabled and drifting “Cap> Tarifa” was loaded to the plim sol and had to plough through a heavy SW PJ-, he dld not reach the “Polynesien” until late on March 4.

Captain Bois of the “Cap Tarifa” was unable to launch a boat in the heavy sea, and decided to take the “Polynesien” in tow, but in getting a line on board his vessel brushed against the “Polynesien’s” bows and a gaping hole about 6 feet deep was torn in the port side of the “Cap Tarifa. The tow was commenced

however, and both vessels arrived off Newcastle at noon on March 5. The Polynesien” was without power to operate her winches and could not drop o& Cl i° r 'i,- Th V‘ Cap Tarifa ” held the dis- % bl Q ed S S lp f 01 M Slx hours off Stockton Beach, Newcastle, until she was relieved by a port tug which took the “Polvne sien on to Sydney.

The Cap Tarifa” has had to go into dock at Newcastle for repairs to her damaged plates.