Palao Maru (15/7/39)

In 12 fathoms depth 10 miles off Ninety Mile Beach

JAPANESE PEARLERS
MOTHER SHIP LOST
FOUNDERS OFF BROOME
Broome, July 17, 1939
The Japanese pearling fleet's mothership, Palao Maru, has sunk ten miles
off the coast with a full cargo, comprising the entire catch of the Japanese fleet. After bringing supplies to the fleet the Palao Mara loaded the fleet's first consignment of pearl shell from these waters, and on Saturday
night the crew noticed she was sinking. There was no time for salvage,
and the crew left the ship as it foundered. The loss is estimated at £10,000. (GGE 18/7/1939 p.1)

Ship with 10,000 pounds cargo sinks
Broome, Monday
The Palao Maru, mother ship of a Japanese fleet operating south of Broome, foundered quickly on Saturday night, taking to the bottom 90 tons of shell and allowing the crew just time to scramble off. Her crew had noticed that she was bumping strangely and sluggishly through smooth-rolling seas. Then the cry was flung from mouth to mouth that the ship was sinking. Dinghies splashed into the water and the 14 men pulled desperately clear as the Palao Maru plunged through 12 fathoms. The vessel is about 10 miles from the shore and a total loss on her pearlshell is inevitable. Of 150 tons, the ship carried valuable equipment. Pearlshell is worth £100 a ton, and the total loss will probably reach £10,000.The disaster is thought to have
been caused by a leakage in the seawater well in the hold. This is a special contraption that allows water to flow through to preserve live oyster shells used for culture. Representatives are endeavouring to obtain the use of a salvage vessel as soon as possible in the hope of recovering the Palao Maru.
Daily News 18/7/1939 p.22
J