THE MISHAP TO THE P.S. CHARLES EDWARD.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 44, 21 February 1881, Page 2

THE MISHAP TO THE P.S. CHARLES EDWARD.

{Weapon Times, Feb. 18.) An enquiry touching the accident to the Steamer Charles Edward was held at (he Custom House to-day (Tuosday) commencing; at 11.30 am., before W. J. llo^gerson, E*q., Collector of Customs. Tne following evidence was taken : — Thomas Whitwell, master mariner, captain of the p.e. Charles KJwaM, 9aid : We left Greymouth about 10 a in, on Sunday, and stpered the usual course (tho weati er being fine) until 3 p.m., when a heavy fog came ou. Could not see the land, bo stood iv for the purpose of- making it out. After going on this course about eight or ten minutes, saw rocks ahead ; ordered the helm to be put hard a-starboard (two men were a" the wheel), and stood out again, and just as the steamer was heading to the westward she TBtruck on some rocks, but did not stop. Had moderate speed on the vessel all the time. After we got a little further out took off the batches and found she was making water farst in the forebold compartment ; ordered the pump to be worked and the sluice vnlve looked to; but Boon saw the water was making so fast that the pump wbb useless. The Engineev also reported that she was making water fast in the engine room, he also said that all his pumps were working without avail. At this time we were standing to the northward ; weather calm and foggy. About 4 o'clock the fires were extinguished. I found the bulk hea3a leak ing but very little. Had the boats prepared, lowered, and towed them astern. Hove the lead, and found 54 fathoms, co dropped the stream anchor, with warp attached. At the came time I ordered the gun to bo fired every minute, knowing that the Graf ton could not be far away. Had all preparations made for putting tile passengers into the boats in case of necessity, or if the fog should clear. About 7 o'clock the fog lifted, and I saw what I took to be the Graf ton, about three miles away. 1 immediately sent the mate and a boat's crew oft: to intercept bar, also burnt blue lights to attract her attention, but seemingly failed to do bo, and she steamed away to tho eastward. About the time I lost sight of the Grafton I made out the Steeples bearing S. by E., about a mile distant. The boatdM nob return at once, so I concluded they had gone iv after the steamer. About 11.30 the Grafton came up, she had our boat's crew aboard. She took us in tow and towed us up to the bar, and on Monday morning about 8 o'clock brought us to the wharf. The passengers all preferred to stay on board rather than go to the trouble of transhipping into the Grafton. m By the Collector : Waß on the bridge at time the steamer struck. Last saw land before she struck about 12 o'clock, although the second mate states he saw the beach half an hour before Bhe struck. It is deep water close into the rocks. Cannot say if the vessel is insured. Have examined the bottom, found the leak in the fore compartment, t>ne of the plates broken for about five feet in length and two inches in width in some places. The break is in both compartments Have managed to stop it so that the donkey engine will keep the steamer clear of water. Frank Vickerman, second mato of the ■teamer said : About a quarter to three I saw the aandy beach to the northward of Charleston, and reported so to the Captain. Towards half -past three by the engine room clock the steamer Btruck on a sunken rock about two miles south of the Steeples. (The witness then went on, coroborating Captain Whit well's evidence in every particular. He was one of the boat's crew ; he said that they got alongside the Grafton at 10 minutes to 1 1 , and that at 1 1 p.m. the steamer left to waist tbe Chaa. Edward.) By the Collector : The vessel wasßteaming about six knots when she struck. About Ip.m. I saw the Grafton about four miles ahead, and we were gainiDg on her fast. Samuel Hoy, A 8., and John liobinson, Chief Engineer, gave corroborative evidence. The depositions will be forwarded to Wellington.