LOSS Of OMAKA

Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1921, Page 1

LOSS Of OMAKA

NAUTICAL INQUIRY

fllY TELEGRAPH—PER PRESS ASSOCIATION

WELLINGTON, Fed,. 18. A nautical inquiry was held to-day before Dir Hunt, S.M., and two assessors, regarding the loss of the auxiliary schooner Oinaka at Wellington Heads on January 30th. Evidence was given to the effect that, the weather was calm when the Omaka left Blenheim. She ran into heavy weather nearing the Heads. The ves.‘el was quite seaworthy at the time. The Wairau and Baden Poweli passed through the Heads about the time of the disaster. The lookout saw no sign of men or of wreckage. The struggles of the men clinging to the wreckage was seen from Penearrow Lighthouse, but it was impossible to help. Counsel commented on the fact that a keen lookout was not kept on the Wairau and Baden Powell; also the lack ot facilities for rescue in the ease of such occurrences as the loss of the Oinaka.

The Court found that the vessel was "ell found, properly manned, and seaworthy, and during the southerly gale a heavy confused sea struck her on the port quarter. She broached to* a nil capsized.

The Court, in a rider, points out to the -Minister that the evidence showed that at the time of the wreck the flagstaff at Penearrow was undergoing repair and the signalman was unable to give effective signals to two steamers which passed shortly after. It hopes that in future no flagstaff "ill he removed without a temporary one being elected immediately.

It further recommends that detonating bombs be placed at lighthouses and signal stations as a fuither means of attracting passing vessels. The Court also points out that had a lifeboat been available nn the Pencarrow side of the harbour, at least one life might have been saved, and trusts that steps "ill be taken to provide means of rescue in future.