COUNTY OF AYR WRECK.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12637, 26 October 1905, Page 2

COUNTY OF AYR WRECK.

NAUTICAL COURT OF INQUIRY

CAPTAIN AftD FIRST OFFICER

CENSURED

(Per Press Association)

DUNEDIN, October 25. At the NaubJcaJ inquiry into the circumstances connected with the wreck of the barque County of Ayr, the evidence was taken of Wo residents of Shag Point, who saw the vessel about 200 yards off the shore on the morning of the 20th, and also of the master, fir,st, and Second mates, and several seamen. After counsel had addressed the Court the following decision was given:—" This Court finds that the County of Ayr was wrecked on Danger Reef on the morning of the 20th, through careless navigation on the part of Captain Tullooh and the first officer, James Arthur Rohillard, and considers that both of these officers were to blame for not using the Jog and not taking soundings for their exact position when making short tacks off' tho coast- during the thick weather prevailing. The Court considers both the Captain and the firstofficer must 'be censured for oarele&s navigation. Their heavy loss through the wreck is taken into consideration, iand their certificates will be returned on payment of costs. The Court acquits the second officer of blame, and orders the return of hiis certificate without comment. -Costs were assessed as follows: —Witnesses, £3 10.S; assessor's fees, £4 4s- counsel for prosecution, £2 2s.