THE GROUNDING OF THE WARRIMOO.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 25 September 1907, Page 2

THE GROUNDING OF THE WARRIMOO.

AN INQUIRY. Per Press Association. Dunedin, Last Night. An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the grounding of the s.s. Warrimoo off Cape Farewell on September 15th -was held to-day, before Mr. 0. 0. l.iiim. S.M., and Captains Beaumont and Paterson (nautical assessors). Captain Mcßeth, master of the Warrimoo, gave evidence to th.c effect that he arrived off Cape Farewell at 4.46 p.m. on the date mentioned. He stood in as close as possible to make sure of the signals. Just as the signalling was finished the vessel's stern stuck on a sandbank. The vessel, whioh was drawing about 18ft Din aft and about 14ft 6in forward, struck about a mile and a-half from the lighthouse. "After she stranded, soundings were taken showing 18ft of water alTround. The chart showed 10 fathoms a little more than a mile from the lighthouse. The weather was quite clear at the time.

Evidence was also given by C. Angus (first officer), J. Frew (second officer), and T. McLeary (quartermaster). The Court found that no negligence had been shown by the captain or officers, and that under the circumstances the captain could hardly be blamed for incurring somewhat greater rißk than usual. The captain's certificate was returned and no order was made as to costs.