VENTNOR ENQUIRY

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 575, 20 November 1902, Page 2

VENTNOR ENQUIRY

DECISION OF HIE COURT. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, hist night. The Nautical Court's decision at tho Ventnor enquiry staled tho exact point the visstl si ruck was undetermined, but it was probably near Opunake. Serious a negations of drunkenness were made by members of the crnv, but w, re contradicted by the surviving officers, engineers, and steward. If the compasses were accurate it would have been impossible for the vessel to strike near Opunake on tho course staled. Owing to negligenco or incompetence a widely incorrect course was given or steered. Whether this arose from drunkenness or not there was no satisfactory evidence, but no doubt negligence or incompetence was tbe cause of the disaster. No blame is attributed to the captain in deciding to proceed to Auckland after striking. It- was by no means certain that ho could return to Wellington more safely after striking. On the ivliolo the captain seemed to have done all that was possible for the safety of tho crew and slop. When tho vessel struck the second officer was on deck, but tho captain was on the bridge in command. The responsibility must rest on the captain alone. The officers aro exonerated, and their certificates returned. No order was made re tho cost, and there is no order of reference to the deceased captain’s certificate.