STEAMING TOO CLOSE

Evening Star, Issue 19793, 17 February 1928, Page 6

STEAMING TOO CLOSE

COM STRAIT INCIDENT MASTERS OF PASSENGER LINERS TRANSFERRED TO CARGO CARRIERS [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON. February 17. A recent navigation incident in Cook Strait was the subject of an official inquiry by the Union Company to-day. The vessels concerned were the Maunganui, bound from Wellington to Sydney, and the Tamahine, bound from Wellington to Picton. 'lt was alleged that the passengers of both vessels were much alarmed by the proximity of tho vessels when they were travelling in the vicinity of Karori Rock. The inquiry showed that a breach of the company’s regulations had been committed by both masters. Accordingly each is relieved of his command of tho passenger vessels concerned and transferred to cargo vessels in the company’s service. [A Blenheim message of February 4, tho complete accuracy of which was denied by the company, stated; Passengers by the Tamahine from Wellington last night report that a collision between tho Tamahine and tho Maunganui was narrowly averted ,in Cook (Strait. Both vessels left Wellington about the same time,' tho Tamahine to. Picton and tho Maunganui for Sydney. Off Karori Rock the Maunganui overhauled tho Tamahine, and, it is stated, crossed her bows at a distance of 60ft without warning. The Tamahine was sent full speed astern, and tho wheel thrown over, and tho vessels narrowly missed a collision. Both had a full complement of passengers.]