FED: Effort to free stranded research vessel underway

AAP General News (Australia)
12-03-1998
FED: Effort to free stranded research vessel underway

HOBART, Nov 3 AAP - The Australian research ship Aurora Australis remains stranded in
Antarctic pack ice, but engineers have managed to identify the cause of a propeller problem,
the ships owners said today.

Even so, it would be at least another 24 hours before it would be known whether sea repairs
could be carried out or the ship would have to be towed back to Hobart, P&O maritime services
managing director Ross Brewer said.

P&O owns the Aurora, which is chartered by the Australian Antarctic Division for its
research and resupply program.

The Aurora, carrying 69 expeditioners and 24 crew, became stranded midway through a
two-month voyage after problems with its controllable pitch propeller, which determines
whether the ship moves forwards or backwards, developed.

It is about 75 nautical miles from Australia's Davis station.

Mr Brewer said that overnight engineers had identified the problem as a fracture in a
hydraulic oil line.

He said the weather was good and the two long-range helicopters on board were being used to
continue the program.

"Everyone is in good spirits and there is no danger whatsoever," Mr Brewer said.

The Aurora had to abort a mid-winter voyage this year after an engine room fire.

Mr Brewer said the propeller problem was unrelated.

AAP dw/it

KEYWORD: AURORA (CARRIED EARLIER)

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