THE LOSS OF THE LIONESS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2625, 5 September 1882, Page 3

THE LOSS OF THE LIONESS.

[PBBU ASSOCIATION TKLBOBAM.] QBETMOUTH, September 4. A preliminary inquiry into the loss of the Lioness was held to-day before the Oolleotor of Customs for the port. Captain Bolan, late of the Lioness, his mate, leadsman, the engineer, and harbor master, were examined. According to tue evidence there was no particular danger going ont when they did, as they had often gone out in as heavy weather, sometimes heavier, but before coming back the wind increased very much. When going through the Barrows, such a strong southerly ■ea was encountered, that after consultation with the mate, the captain decided it to be dangerous to risk towing, and he told the Gleaner that he would not tow her in. On re-entering the mouth of the river, the captain said he found the steamer set bodily to the southward. He had to haul her well up towards the point of the Borth Spit, but she would not clear it with the helm hard aport. He stopped the engines, and went full speed astern, with the helm bard astarboard. The north-westerly sea and the drawback would not allow the ship to straighten for the entrance. He disconnected the engines to get the vessel’s head pointed for the entrance. He had previously went astern with the starboard and ahead with the port engines. When she was partially straightened found her going towards the protective works, and went full speed ahead with both engines. Before she gathered much way on her, the wind and sea together with the drawback forced her on a projecting portion of the wall known as the “ apron. ” At the second bump, the engineer reported the engine-room to be filling fast. Bothing more could be done bnt land those on board. The soundings of the bar coming in (three- quarters tide) gave 12ft of water at the lowest oast. The vessel usually steered well. Captain Bolan said, in reply to the manager of the Tug Company, that if the “apron ” of the stones had not extended into the fairway the vessel would not have received any injury. The engines were shown to be in good working order, and the vessel well found. Everything wotked well. The decision will be given to-morrow morning.