STRANDING OF H.M.S. RINGAROOMA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2750, 13 December 1894, Page 3

STRANDING OF H.M.S. RINGAROOMA.

Sydney, Dec. 11. The court-martial in connection with the stranding of H.M.S. Ringarooma found that the charge against Captain Johnson had been proved, inasmuch as the course steered after passing Dip Point was not stated by the hour order book, and he took no steps to check the course laid down by the navigating officer. The court also considered that the captain did not satisfy himself of the safety of the ship. The charge against Lieutenant Chetwynd was proved as he laid down the course which for no apparent reason led much nearer to land than was necessary ; that officer also neglected to remain on deck, while the vessel was in close proximity to laud. The charge against Lieutenant McDonald had been also proved, as he failed to call the captain and inform him of the vessel’s dangerous proximity to land, although he considered it necessary for the safety of the ship to alter her course. Captain Johnson was severely reprimanded by the court, and admonished to be more careful in future; Chetwynd was severely reprimanded and dismissed from his dbmmission on the Ringarooma, and McDonald was also severely reprimanded. The Court expressed its appreciation of the energy and ability displayed by the captain and ship’s company in extricating the vessel from the reef on which she had stranded.