RODNEY DISASTER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 April 1938, Page 9

RODNEY DISASTER

MARINE COURT CENSURES MASTER NO SERIOUS EFFORT TO CHECK DANGEROUS LIST PRECAUTIONS RECOMMENDED SYDNEY, March 31. The Marine Court found that the launch Rodney capsized owing to excessive crowding on the upper deck causing the launch to take a dangerous list which the master, Charles Henry Rosman, made no serious effort to check. The court called upon Rosman to show cause why his certificate should not be cancelled or otherwise dealt with. The evidence disclosed that the Rodney, at the time of the accident, had 90 or more people on the upper deck, which was 30 more than the licensed number. No blame was attached to the Maritime Services. Board or its surveyor, but the court recommended that greater precautions for public safety shoulu be taken in the case of passenger vessels of the Rodney type. The Rodney, a large tourist launch, overturned in Sydney harbour on 13th February when crowded with passengers, 19 of whom were drowned. The launch had been chartered to farewell the United States cruiser Louisville. As the cruiser approached Bradley’s Head, the passengers rushed to the rails and the vessel heeled over and capsized. Many of the victims were in the cabin of the launch and were trapped when she sank.