THE TITANIC DISASTER

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 281, 24 May 1912, Page 5

THE TITANIC DISASTER

EVIDENCE OF THE OFFICERS. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, May 22. At the Titanic enquiry, Mr. Lightoller, second: officer, said that the Titanic was going at a reduced speed at the time of the accident, several boilers being off. It was impracticable to lower a boat full of people, although the Titanic had the best equipment afloat. The president said that it was clear that the Titanic was manned far in excess of the Board of Trade requirements. Pitman, the third officer, in his evidence, said that he was certain that the vessel did not break in two. The course had been altered southward some hours before the collision, presumably to avoid the ice. Counsel incidentally stated that the White Star Company estimated that the Titanic was seven miles south of the regular track at the time of the collision. Lowe, fifth officer, giving evidence, stated that after lashing four boats together and transferring the passengers he returned towards the Titanic and rescued four more persons. It would have been suicidal to have returned immediately when the Titanic sank, as struggling people would have swamped the boat.