THE ALEXA WRECK.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 205, 5 September 1901, Page 3

THE ALEXA WRECK.

THE CAPTAIN’S EXPLANATION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright ■ Sydney, Sept. 4. At the Marine Court inquiry into the wreck of the Alexa, Captain Woebling deposed that the vessel struck early in the morning before daylight, but the moon was shining brightly. The mate was [in charge at the time, he having gone below for a minute or two, after giving the order that a sharp lookout should be kept. When the mate called him he saw breakers under the bow, and he tried to round the vessel, but a nasty sea struck her heavily. According to the chart, the current was running a knot an hour, but witness estimated it at four knots. The lookout man deposed that he saw broken water a mile ahead, and gave warning, and two other witnesses gave evidence that they heard no warning. The Court found that assuming the captain’s account was correct, he exercised due care, and was in no way to blame, but was deceived by the current. However, iu the absence of the mate and further evidence as to the strength of the current, they would express no opinion. With regard to tho navigation of the vessel, it was very questionable, according to his own account, whether the lookout man was properly doing his duty before the vessel struck.