FORT ELLIOTT ENQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1924, Page 1

FORT ELLIOTT ENQUIRY

.... [llY TKI.ECItACTI l*Klt PRESS ASSOCIATION.] GISBORNE, Feb. 0. A nautical enquiry into the stranding if the Port Flliott, v.'a- opened before Mr \V. G .Riddell. S..M. The Courts’ commission is to determine whether the casualty was due to wrongful act or default of the master, officers or crew. Walter I!. Weniocl:. third ollieergave evidence as to recording in the log of the ship, the positions at various times, prior to the stranding. At 10.45, the course was changed to south, and the ship struck at 11.41. Throughout his watch the weather was dull and overcast with a moderate swell. No land was visible till immediately before the. grounding, when witness’s attention was drawn to a darkspot on the starboard side looking like land. He immediately called the Captain. When the ship struck the engines were put full astern, the crew called to the boat stations, and soundings taken. Sir Sir 4uhu Findlay ( who appeared for the master of the ship, Captain Fislnvieki, witness stated that the East Cape Light was sighted at 10.20 and 10.53, and was seen intermittently. When land appeared, the neces--;ii'v orders were given in a few second,. First, hard to starboard, then full speed astern. To Air Watson (counsel for the owners). The visability on sea was good, but the land was obscured. It was visible very dimly after the grounding. To Mi Kirkcaldic. counsel for himself and the first officer, witness said that he was now satisfied that the light seen from the bridge, and supposed to he the East Cape light, was a bush fire or some other foreign light. To Mr Pendeville (for the Marine Department), witness said that the ship was travelling at 13 knots when she struck. George Leslie Webb, apprentice, cave corroborative evidence. . " Captain West. Marine Engineer ot the C.D. Line, who was aboard toe Port Victor gave evidence that there was a strong set towards the land at the time .