LAUNCHES COLLIDE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 932, 27 March 1930, Page 7

LAUNCHES COLLIDE

INQUIRY DECISION RESERVED The Nautical Court of Inquiry, which yesterday investigated the midharbour collision between the launches Olive Rose and Olive Jean on the night of January 19, reserved its decision upon the conclusion of hearing evidence. The court, comprising Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., chairman. Capt. Cambridge and Mr. A. H. Bentley as assessors, inquired into the causes ot the collision with a view to determining responsibility. The Olive Rose, returning to the City from Motuihi Island, was crowded with passengers and the Olive Jean, outward bound for Islington Bay, when they struck west of Bean Rock lighthouse, in an endeavour to transfer a member of the crew from- one boat to another. The master of the Olive Jean, Norman John Inglis, said that on leaving Auckland about 8.30 p.m. bound for Islington Bay, he had no passengers or cargo " aboard. When 300 yards to the west of the Bean Rock light he put the engine out of gear when within 50 yards of the Olive Rose, and manoeuvred to bring the vessels port bow to port bow.

“The set of the tide caused both vessels to turn, and the Olive Rose struck the Olive Jean,” -witness asserted. “The impact was caused by an extra strong eddy off the light house, but the bump was not heavier than experienced at Motuihi Wharf.” He added that the Olive Rose backed away and the transfer of the seaman was not effected. Almost at the time of the collision the Olive Jean’s engine stopped, and he was towed to Devonport.

He considered it was a prudent practice to transfer a member of the crew in mid-harbour, having done it for the last 17 years, without having an accident, even with a full load of passengers. He had never before experienced a tide set or eddy such as on the night of the collision. Supporting testimony was given by James R. Francis, master of the Olive Jean. He asserted wind and tide had combined to swing his vessel’s bow to port to strike the Olive Jean. He de-

clared that passengers uttered one or two squeals when the boats collided. In his opinion it was quite safe to stop in mid-harbour and transfer a member of the crew. After' counsel had addressed the court, the decision was reserved.