STRANDING OF THE EDEN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 311, 10 February 1910, Page 5

STRANDING OF THE EDEN.

FINDING OF THE INQUIRY.

ME CAPTAIN BLAMED.

By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Received February 10, 12.30 a.m. Sydney, Last Night.

The Marine Court found that the stranding »f the steamer Eden, of 693 tons, near Cape St. George, on December 20th, wag due to the master, Captain Bishop, not reducing 6peed when he ra» into a thick fog. Captajn Bishop is to show eau*e why his certificate should mot be cancelled or suspended.

During a dense fog oh the voyage from southern ports a el iff at Cape St. George loomed up suddenly out of the enshrouding mist, and the Eden was brought up "all standing" before the order " Full speed astern* could be carried out in the engine-room. The Eden had crashed right into the cliff. Although the forward compartment was flooded, the bulkhead held fast and toe vessel was able to make port. Her 'forefoot was completely torn away. There were one hundred pass en gars oa board, and many of these were thrown off their feet, go great was the shock of the ship's striking. The boats were got out and the passengers served with lifebelts, but the steamer meanwhile sheered off. An examiaation ehowed that the vessel vrag perfectly dry from the bulkhead aft.