SHELL ACCIDENT.
(TO THE EDITOB OF THE NEW ZEALAND MAIL.)
Sir,—l deem it my duty to communicate to the Wellington press the circumstances under which the accident of yesterday occurred, and to express my regret at its having happened, together with my deep thankfulness that the consequences were not worse. A shell was fired from one of the boats of this ship, the officer in charge of the said boat being aware that from the then direction of the target (the boats being drifted by the wind, the target stationery) the projectile must pass in a line much too near the shore; but the shell having been fitted for the shortest distance, he considered that it would burst long before reaching the shore, and directed that the shell should be fired. A sudden yaw of the boat at the moment of firing must have thrown the projectile much to the left of the intended direction, thus landing the shell ; but I am entirely at a loss to account for the late action of the fuse. I have severely censured the officer through whose neglect of all rules this accident occurred. Trusting that you will kindly make this public—l have, &c, H. Stair Sandys, Commander Royal Navy. H.M.S. Virago, 7th April.
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New Zealand Mail, Issue 12, 15 April 1871, Page 6
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210SHELL ACCIDENT. New Zealand Mail, Issue 12, 15 April 1871, Page 6
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