Freak storms hit shipping

NEWS CONTINUES to come in of storms affecting shipping in many parts of the world. After the Danish freighter ran aground in the North Sea last week, bad weather continues to hamper attempts to refloat her. High winds and heavy weather are also reported in the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean, and hurricane warnings have been issued for the Mid-Atlantic. Many vessels have been delayed or have had to change course to avoid the worst of the weather. Severe electrical storms have disrupted radio contact with ships which may be many miles off-course, so it may be some time before the full extent of the damage is known, but shipping lines are expecting more losses. Weathermen say that the unsettled weather will last for at least another week.

Vitelli Trading sunk? Businessman of the Year, Antonio Vitelli, has born the brunt of the shipping losses with a number of Argosy built freighters either lost or unaccounted for. Contacts within the shipping industry talk of poor maintenance records and sub-standard repairs on these vessels. The Department of Trade is expected to instigate a safety review, and to suspend operation of all remaining Argosy freighters. Neither representatives of Argosy shipyards nor Mr. Vitelli was available for comment.