MALABAR WRECK

Hokitika Guardian, 16 April 1931, Page 3

MALABAR WRECK

HELMSMAN BLAMED. (Australian Press Association.) SYDNEY. April i". The Marine Court inquiry has opened thy, investigation of the loss of the motor steamer Malabar, on April •>. A formal charge of having failed in his chi tv in matters relating to navigation has l>e<>n preferred against the captain, George William 1/ ’ ter of tli f » Malabar. Keith Morris, chief officer, ga V e evidence that he was on the bridge till 6.45 a.in. on April 2, when Captain Leslie relieved him. The weather was then clear, and the extreme northern point of Long Bay. where the Malabar later grounded, could be seen a mile and a half distant. Witness did now draw the master's attenfi.m to the land, as he assumed Captain Leslie himself saw it. and was aware of his course and speed. The usual practice n rounding headlands was fu keep fairly close in, roughly, a mile away, in order to keep out- of currents. The next witness was a Malayan named Magicl. the quartermaster, who was at the wheel when the ship struck. He said he took all his instructions from the Master, who was on the bridge. Witness detailed bis Master’s orders. He then said the weather was misty when the vessel stranded. Her speed was then about 12 knots. Raleigh Walsh, a local fisherman, gave evidence that the Malabar passed bis launch a quarter of a mile away. The weather was fairly clear, but a fog was approaching. The Malabar. in witness's opinion, was too close to the shore, and was much closer than usual for ships of her size. | Captain Leslie, in the course of bis evidence, said lie ordered the quartermaster Magid “to port five degrees” three or four minutes before the Mala, bar grounded. The vessel had not altered her course much when she struckCaptain Leslie was asked whether it was not a fact that lie had given the ! ordei “rfftar board five degrees” just before he gave the port order. Captain Leslie replied; “I gave no starboard order at all!” He added that lie was of opinion that the quartermaster must have made a mistake, and put the vessel on the starboard helm at the critical juncture. Tile bearing was adjourned. A DIVER’S THRILL. LIFELINE DROPS OVERBOARD. (Received this rlav at 9. a.rn. SYDNEY. April 16. Fishermen in the vicinity of the Malabar wreck, are ever watchful Tor flotsam. One party hired a diving I suit. 'l’lie diver explored the shallows near the derelict for treasure. His lifeline accidentally fell overboard, ' and while his mates above were wondering how they could rescue him. tindiver removed his heavy boots and ) the air in tin* suit, brought him to th<surface, feet first. He was immediately pulled into the boat, little the worse for bis sensational experience.