MASTER’S MISTAKE

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20953, 4 November 1939, Page 10

MASTER’S MISTAKE

PORT BOWEN INQUIRY FINDING OF COURT CERTIFICATE RETURNED (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Friday The decision of the Court of Inquiry which yesterday investigated the stranding of the Port Bowen on the beach at Castlecliff on July 19 was announced this afternoon. The Court, which consisted of Mr J. L. Stout, S.M., Captain Worrall, of Wellington, and Captain Charman, of Christchurch, found that the Port Bowen was stranded on the beach through an error of judgment of Francis William Bailey, master of the vessel. (1) In coming in too fast after picking up the Castlecliff light in view of the fact that he had not picked up the leading lights at the anchorage. (2) In not paying sufficient attention to the record of the echometer sounding apparatus. (3) In not stopping his vessel when a sounding of 80ft, which indicated that the vessel was close inshore, was recorded. The Court felt that the error of judgment was brought about rather by lack of local knowledge than by any culpable act, and considered the circumstances did not call for the suspension or cancellation of the master’s certificate. No order was made regarding the costs of the inquiry.