ABEL TASMAN WRECK

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 36, 11 August 1936, Page 6

ABEL TASMAN WRECK

FINDINGS OF COURT

MASTER AND MATE HELD BLAMELESS

(By Telegraph.—Press Associatioii.) GREYMOUTH, August 10. The inquiry into the loss of the steamer Abel Tasman on Greymouth bar was concluded today. . The Court was asked five questions, which, together with the answers, are as follows:— : 1. (a) Was the vessel moored in accordance with the practice of the harbour? Answer: Yes. ' (b) Was the vessel moored to the satisfaction of the harbourmaster? Answer: Yes. "The. evidence shows that the harbourmaster and the vessels-master and officers had given strict attention to the safe mooring of the vessel," said the Court. 2. Could the practice of the harbour as to moorings in. flood conditions be improved by the harbour board providing special moorings for floods? Answer: Yes. A memorandum is. to be prepared embodying the recommendations. ;■ . ;. ; .-;■■.■■; 3. Is it possible that the casualty would have been avoided if the engines had been turning and ready for-instant use? Answer: Not in our opinion/ The reasons are to be amplified mV a ■ re--port to the Minister of -Marine.' 4. Was everything possible done to save the vessel after she broke away? Answer: Yes. The Court considers that the master, officers, engineers, and crew acted in a prompt and seamanlike manner and are to be commended therefor, the master in' particular. 5. Was the. casualty caused or contributed to by thg wrongful' act or default of the master or any of his crew or .of the harbour board or of any other person? Answer:' Not in so far as the master or any of his crew were concerned, butthe Court desires to further consider the question in relation to the harbour board and its officials. The-master, William Archibald, and the first mate, Peter Dalziel, had their certificates returned to them unendorsed. ■■■■■" . .