Nautical Enquiry.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1922, Page 4

Nautical Enquiry.

[by TELEGRAPH—PER PREHS ASSOCIATION]

AUCKLAND, July 17.

"Tile Court of Enquiry into the stranding of the Rona, judgment was a lengthy one. It said that the view expressed towards the end of the hearing was the view still taken by the Court. \\ hen the master went down to his cabin a little after 6.15 lie gave no instructions beyond those to keep the ship heading for the light, and ho left the ; first officer under the impression that he was coining up again in the course of a few minutes. The first officer apparently never seriously accepted the responsibility of navigating the ship. He did not make up his mind ns to the ship’s position or how far she was off tlie fight, nor what he was going to do. and lie did not fully realise his position till too late. This in no way oxone- ■ rates the first officer, lie was on the j bridge and was in the sole charge of the ship. He should have acted nccord- ! ingly. He should have made up his j mind as to the ship’s position and her distance from the light, and when he j got towards the position where it was necessary to alter her course. Tf there was anything that he thought should he referred to the master lie should have referred it to him. He neglected j to do so and that act must throw upon him the responsibility for the casualty. It had been maintained that the master was justified in leaving a qualified | officer in charge. Had the master told ■ the mate to carry oil and pass the : light on the inside as usual these ■ points would have been effective. At , the same time in all probability there ! would have boon no casualty.”

The judgment concluded “the captain loft the bridge with a remark that would naturally lead tlie chief officer to think that he would return in tile course of a. few minutes. He did not conic back on the bridge until the ship struck, half

an hour later. The chief officer’s request for instructions showed that the absence of them influenced him. AYhet seemed likely was that the master did not consider he was yet in waters in which it .was necessary to keep his mind

at tension. He allowed the steward to engage his attention and draw him into forgetting all about the bridge. \Yc think some blame, though only a very minor part of it. must fall upon the master.-and it must carry some penally. He will be ordered to pay one half of the costs. His certificate will be returned. There is no excuse for the first officer. Practically the whole of the responsibility must he with him. AVe have considered his previous excellent record, absolute frankness and honest desire to shoulder all lilanic in the matter. It would be ten serious for us to do other than order his certificate to he suspended for six months. He will pay half the costs of the enquiry.”