Papers Past Newspaper Archive: The Press
Title: Search For Overdue Ship Off Samoa
Date: 8 October 1955, Page 9
Publisher: New Zealand Government National Library
URL: https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19551008

SEARCH FOR OVERDUE SHIP OFF SAMOA
A widespread search by air and sea is now being conducted for the auxiliary motor vessel Joyita, which is overdue on a voyage from Apia to the Tokelau Islands. The vessel, carrying 25 passengers and crew, departed Apia on October 3 and was expected to arrive at her destination on October 5.
Royal New Zealand Air Force Sunderland flying boats from Laucala Bay, Fiji, have been searching the area of the ship's projected track, but no sightings have yet been reported. The vessel has a cargo of empty oil drums, timber, and foodstuffs.
The passengers include Mr. P. L. Hodgkinson, a government official, and Dr. A. D. Parsons, a medical officer. Captain Thomas H. Miller is the master of the vessel. The Joyita is a 70-ton twin-screw wooden vessel built in the United States and has cork lining in her holds, making her exceptionally buoyant.