THE LOSS OF THE HAWEA

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 274, 13 November 1908, Page 2

THE LOSS OF THE HAWEA

OFFICERS COMPLETELY EXONERATED. THEIR CERTIFICATES RETURNED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Greymouth, East Night. Tiio Marine Court of Inquiry gave judgment to-day into the stranding of the ilawea. By a unanimous verdict, the captain was completely exonerated. The following questions were put to the Court:—(l) Whether the master exercised due cure and skill in the navigation of the ship?— Yes; {■>) Wiiclhsr the master and harbor master gave due! consideration to the risk attending

diip* making Hie bar!— Yes. (;ij nhe Jier tlie stranding was due to tile ;i"g igencc of any person or persons and ii >o by whomr—No one; (-1) What Will the cause of stranding?—-Vn exception ally heavy roller struck the vessel on the port bow, causing her to touch tin bottom on the inner bar and lost steerage way, anil causing her to pay oil' to starboard, was then unable to recover steerage way ami regain hei position, and drifted bodily on the north tip. Xo blame is attachable to anyone, (5) Whether the officers and crew rendered prompt obedience to the master's orders'/—Yes. Every consideration was given by the captain to the state of the bar before sailing, and we consider he was justified in trying to get out, as the unusually heavy roller which struck the ship could not have been anticipat ed. ho blame is attachable to the captain of the vessel or anyone coneemel in the departure of the vessel from t're port, and we lind that the captain and ollieers did everything possible mmier the circumstances. The Court suggests that hi cases where ships of <tacp draught are leaving the port, the services of a tug should he engaged if a; doubt about the depth of water on the bar or weather conditions prevailing, as the Court thinks the practice has arisen of taking out vessels of deep draught without giving sufficient thought to engaging a tug. The Magistrate, Mr. Turton, on returning the certificate to Captain Uurgess, remarked that while the Court fully sympathised with lura over the loss of the vessel, they were pleased to record the fact that he had done everything that could be done under the circumstances. En returning the certificate to William Considine, the Magistrate said the Court was satisfied that as a junior officer he had done his, duty, and that he could do no more. The I decision of the Court was unanimous.