Little Vessel’S
pp. 29-30 · Read in the full issue
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Scape Off Noumea
NOUMEA, April 20. itHEN the 291-tons motor-ship ▼ Maria del Mar (acquired by Captain E. Savoie in 1952) as within 140 miles of Noumea i April 15, carrying 600 tons of
cargo from Sydney, a very large leak developed suddenly and flooded the engine-room. An SOS was sent ° U The Nickel Go’s ship Tayo, 5,000 tons, then in sight of Noumea on her way from Port Kembla, immedi ately turned back, and found the helpless Maria del Mar in a danger ous situation at nightfall. The Tayo finally got a line aboard, and very slowly towed the Maria del
Mar to Noumea. Amedee light house was seen on the night of April 17; and next morning the Maria del Mar was delivered safely into Noumea harbour, with cargo
Maria del Mar, and, inset, Captain Savoie.
practicaliy intact. Cargo included a small French plane for the new Port Vila Aero Club.
Owners of Maria del Mar are very happy to have had their vessel saved from a most dangerous situa tion; but the cargo-owners are not.
A huge amount is due to the Tayo’s owners for salvage, and a general average of 30 per cent, already has been declared over the cargo.
Settlement is likely to be long and complicated.
Maria del Mar was built in Sweden in 1919, and was the sail ing ship Margaret W, and the Margot„ before she was converted to motor-ship.