STRANDING OF A STEAMER.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 May 1920, Page 5

STRANDING OF A STEAMER.

ACCIDENT IN TARANAICI BIGHT. EVIDENCE AT THE INQUIRY, ! By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Magisterial enquiry into the stranding of the steamer Inga off the Taranalci Bight on the morning of April 30, while on a voyage from Newcastle to Wanganui with coal and hardwood, opened to-day. . Captain Bell gave evidence that the night of April 29 was beautifully clear, and the sea smooth. He gave orders before he turned in that he was to be called when the Patea, Light was sighted, or at 5 a.m. He was not called at 2 s.m., but at 3.20 a.m. he heard the vessel grate, and he jumped out of his bunk. When she bumped heavily he ran to the bridge, and found she still had way on her. . The morning was clear, but dark. He ordered the life boats out, and immediately afterwards the chief engineer reported that water was coming up the air pipe of the after tank. The life boats were then lowered to the rail. The vessel was bumping, but was still afloat. Soundings showed four to nine fathoms from forward to amidships. He put the vessel ahead to clear the obstacle and then anchored. Afterwards he decided to proceed. When she struck, land was barely a mile off. She struck about five miles from the course he had setEvidence was also given that the Inga was insured in the Batavia office for £3400. There was no insurance on the cargo. Evidence was given by the ship's officers, in the coflrse of which a suggestion was made that there must have been an abnormal current to take the vessel oil her course.

The decision was reserved till Satur gity moroioK,