THE ROTOMAHANA ENQUIRY.— JUDGMENT OF THE COURT.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3768, 13 August 1883, Page 3

THE ROTOMAHANA ENQUIRY.— JUDGMENT OF THE COURT.

Dunedin, This day,

The Court of Enquiry into the Rotomahana mishap found that the grounding of steamer and consequent damage appears by tho evidence to have been caused by—first, the unexpected strength of the current setting in towards the shore; second, the misjudging by Capfain Carey of tlio distance from the shore at 3 a.m. ; third, the apparent projecting of a reef from the coast much further than shown by the chart. That the nature of the loss or damage done was injury to the hull of the ship to the extent of £-1000 or £5000. First, that the grounding was partly duo to currents continuing to the eastward longer than anticipated after the ebb tide had made, henco taking the port bow of tho steamer and setting her further to shore than the estimated distance. Second, the atmospheric conditions led the commander to misjudge the distance, and the omission to heave the lead at 3 o'clock left his mistake as to " the distance from Slope Point undetected. In addition to these two causes for striking it seems probable from the evidence of the commander, and the known opinions of other navigators, that the pinnacle rocks between which the steamer was so skilfully handled extend much farther seaward than are marked on the chart. The evidence of the commander and his officers tends to show that the want of knowledge of the wind and weather off the southern ports of the colony is a drawback to safe navigation between them, and owing to these not being telegraphed between the Bluff and Dunedin, the high winds off the coast would bo unknown, and hence due allowance of their influence on currents cannot be made. It seems probable that the current off the south coast was influenced in the case of the Rotomahana by the gale of wind said to have prevailed previous to her reaching Waipapa, and only reported on her reaching the Bluff after striking the ground. The evidence further indicates that the dangers on this part of the coast would be lessened, if not wholly removed, by the erection of a lighthouse on Waipapa, which would be assisted by placing a luminous bell-buoy at the dangerous Toby Rock. The Court also wish to bring to notice the apparent absence of Government encouragement similar to that given by tho Board of Trade in Great Britain for officers of ships registered in this colony making themselves familiar with judging distances from the shore by day and night, taking the bearings of headlands, Tights, &c, ascertaining the speed of the ship from the engine revolutions, taking frequent observations (amplitudes and altitudes), and keeping a log or knot book of same, believing from the evidence adduced that such a practice would tend to make them expert navigators, and hence lessen the shipping casualties on this coast. The heaving of the lead when near the shore would also be of great advantage, and the result as to tho depth and nature of the bottom would, if pencilled on the charts, form a valuable guide for future navigation. Third, the Court has to mention its satisfaction at the clear evidence given by Capt. Carey and the officers of the Rotomahana, and likewise call* attention to tho zealous promptitude and skill with which every precaution to secure the safety of the passengers and ship, after the reef had been struck. The evidence conclusively shows that, with the single exception of omitting taking soundings at 3 o'clock, when Capt. Carey considered it necessary to change the ship's course, he acted in all respects as a careful navigator and experienced commander, and the discipline of the ship reflects credit on all her officers. The Nautical Assessors concurred in this judgment.