THE CORINNA MISHAP

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2537, 11 August 1915, Page 9

THE CORINNA MISHAP

MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY

THE CAPTAIN'S CERTIFICATE SUSPENDED

A magisterial inquiry was held at the Magistrate's Court yesterdaj into the stranding of the Corinna on Barrett's Reef on Thursday last. Mr. D. G. A. Cooper presided, and had associated with him as nautical assessors Captain George Lambert (late of the steamer Arahura) and Captain W. J. Grey. Jlr. P. S. K. Jlacassey, who had associated with him Captain G. G. Smith, appeared for the Marino Department; Mr. E.' K. Ivirkeallie.for tho captain of the Corinna, and Mr. Izard for the Wellington Harbour Board.

Duncan Cameron, niaster of the Corinna, said tho mishap occurred to his vessel at about 11.30 p;m. on August i, at Barrett's Reef. The damage to the vessel consisted of a few holes torn, in the lower sides of tho vessel.. When the vessel reached Steeple liock witness got right into the white sector and steered a course south to half east. After keeping on tho course for 10 or 12 minutes witness noticed broken water on the bow of tho vessel. Ho immediately went astern, and within a very few seconds the vessel 6truck the reef and the engines were stopped. Tho wells were sounded, and he found the fore peak full of water, but no water in the holds. Tho boats were got ready, a rocket let off, and the station at tho Heads signalled to. At about 12.30 o'olock the vessel began to swing on the ebb tide, 'and ho gave her a touch ahead, but the vessel would net move. Witness then went full astern on his engines, with the result that the Corinna slipped ofE the reef. Ho then made full speed towards Evaus Bay, sounding tlio' holds all the way. When the vessel reached there at •MO a.m. there was no. water in the holds. Witness did not know how he failed to keop to .tho white sector. It was his duty to look behind and make, sure his vessel was in the white sector all the time. To Mr.- ICirkcaldie : Witness had been master of tho Corinna. for eight years, and an officer of other vessels for 25 years. Witness was shortly contemplating retirement from the sea. The course witness took ho had always found to be,a safe one. It should have taken him well clear of the outer, reef. Witness had a "lookout" on board on the evening in question, while the third officer was with him on the bridge. Witness had never had an accident to any other vessel he had been on. Draycott Birkett, repairs superintendent to tho Union Steam Skip Company, said he saw the Corinna on the slip after her mishap. Tho plating was cracked on both sides of tho 6hip, while there were two holes, one on each side. The co3t to effect temporary repairs, to the vessel was between .£SO arid £55, while he roughly estimated permanent repairs to cost between -6400 and .£SOO.

Samuel Cameron,.able seaman, who was at thehvlieel when' the. Corinna touched the reef; said;'he kept to the course given hiiii. He did,not notice the Somes Island lig'lit. Ralph Thomas Ingram, third officer of tho Corinna, also gave evidence. After hearing tho legal aspect of thei case, the Bench intimated that decision would be given in the afternoon. The finding of tho Bench was as follows:—"Tho Court is of the opinion that Captain Cameron, in navigating Hie steamship Corinna out of tho Wellington Harbour on tlio night of August i., 1915, showed grave carelessness in not taking sufficient precaution to see that his ship was kept in the white sector of Somes Island light, especially as, though it was a dark night, the lights were all clearly visible. The Court is further of opinion the proper precaution was not taken by Captain Cameron to look in the compass and ascertain whether the course of. S. half E. set by him was being steered by the man at the wheel. Had this course, which, in the opinion of the Court, was a proper one, been steered, the Corinna would not have stranded .on Barrett's Reef. The. Court is also of opinion that aft6r the accident had occurred Captain Cameron did everything that a practical seaman could do in rescuing his ship from a perilous position, and navigating her safely to the Union Company's wharf at Evans Bay. The Court adjudges that Captain Cameron's certificate be suspended for a period of three months, and that he pay tlies costs of this investigation, wfil Is., and assessor's fees, .£2 2s. each." : The Magistrate added that tho Bench sympathised with Captain Cameron that llio accident to the Corinna should have occurred near the close of an honourable career, that had been devoid of any previous such happening.