Makatea's Deep-sea Moorings
p. 61 · Read in the full issue
Rest on Sea Bed
MAKATEA, the phosphate island in French Oceania, was without deep sea moorings in early October.
Two attempts to lay 220-fathom moor ings were made by the “Forthbank” but on both occasions the cable snapped when about 200 fathoms of the cable had been paid out from the ship. The job was then abandoned and will await the arrival of the British Phosphate Com mission’s “Triona” carrying new equip ment from Australia.
Makatea, like the other two Pacific phosphate islands, Ocean Island and Nauru, has no harbour facilities. Deep water extends right up to the shore.
Vessels moor to a buoy, being held in position by two span-chains running to a reef.
Sudden squalls and bad weather make all loading at Makatea a hazard but special release gear allows ships to cast off from the buoy quickly and get away to sea.
Moorings are renewed every five years, “Triona” made the last replacement in 1944 at a time when Makatea was the only Pacific phosphate island left in Allied Ifknds. “Forthbank” has laid moorings there, however, on two previous occasions.
After spending three fruitless weeks, and making two trips from Makatea to Papeete to have new equipment assembled, the “Forthbank” gave up the job when the second cable broke, loaded phosphate at an intermediate buoy and sailed for New Zealand to discharge.