OFFICERS’ BRAVERY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3746, 26 January 1928, Page 3

OFFICERS’ BRAVERY.

SHIP BURNED AT SEA. Auckland, January 24. An inquiry into the sinking of the Clan MaeWilliarn in Vavau Harbour, Tonga, on Christmas Day, was held at the British Residency at Nukulofa on January 3. The steamer caught fire while loading copra, and after the officers and crew heroically fought the flames for many hours, sank, the captain and chief engineer being drowned. The Court delivered its finding on January 9. It was unable to determine the origin of the fire, but .found that the copra appeared to have been properly stowed and the hold was adequately ventilated. It also held that every possible step was taken to save the ship and that the conduct of the master, officers and crew was exemplary, no blame being attachable to anyone. Regarding the captain, Mr. William Thompson and the chief engineer Mr. Dishington, the Courtstated that throughout the fire these* two officers directed operations in a calm and collected manner and the court in placing on record its high opinion of their conduct extended its sympathy to the relatives. The- above report shows that the earlier published account obtained; from the officers of the Niagara who had intercepted wireless messages on the subject was incorrect in some important particulars, especially in the statements that the vessel was alongside the wharf, that the port authorities ordered her into the stream, and that the white -offi]cers and Lascar crew refused to man her, declaring that she was unsafe.