AN EXCITING VOYAGE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2080, 15 May 1907, Page 1

AN EXCITING VOYAGE

EXPERIENCES OF A DREDGER,

The hopper dredge Andre Rotouers, which was purchased for the Melbourne Harbor Trust, has arrived at Fremantle from Liverpool via Port Said and Colombo. The svqyage throughout was marked by a number of exciting experiences. On December 24th, when the vessel was near the entrance to the Bay of Biscay, a strong galo was encountered. On Christmas Day the storm increased, and big seas swept the vessel’s deck. Tarpaulins were washed off tho hatches, and eventually tho latter were carried away, and the water got into tho hold. Captain Boyd, who was then in command, decided to run to Vigo;, about 150 miles distant.. Vigo was reached safely, and after staying there 22 days the vessel resumed her voyage. On January 24tli, the machinery broke down during a heavy gale off tho coast of Algiers, and that port was reached on the following day. Fiftoen days wore occupied in making repairs, and on February 4tli the vessel again sailed, and Port Said was reached ten days later. Up to this time the relations between Captain Boyd and his crew had not boon, pleasant. In Vigo he was laid up most of the time, he being under medical care, Mr. Thompson, the chief officer, being in charge of tile vessel. At Algiers the cajitain’s health had recovered. At Vigo the English members of the crew, headed by the chief engineer, Mr Lovett, left the ship, on the ground, it is alleged, 1 that they could not get on with Captain Boyd. Spaniards had to be taken on in their places, and a Mr Long was sent out from Liverpool to fill the position of chief engineer at Algiers. However, this gentleman left the ship with the Spanish, crew that had been recruited at, Vigo, their reason being that the captain and they could not agree. Arab sailors had to bo shipped at Algiers, but these only remained with the vessel until Port Said was reached. A telegram was waiting here for Mr. Grayson to delay the ship as a new captain was coming out by the P. and O. Express via Brindisi. Captain Bundle arrived on February 26th, and relieved Captain Boyd, who left the ship. Fresh

sailors had to be secured here. On March 2nd the voyage was resumed, and all went well to Aden. The jport was left on March 4tli, and Colombo reached on March 22nd. The'weather across the Indian Ocean 'was fine. The Andre Retouers has ■been foui- months all but nine days on ■'the voyage' from Liverpool to Fremantle.