BOATS IN COLLISION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 205, 28 August 1918, Page 6

BOATS IN COLLISION.

MAKO AND SEAGULL. COURT OF INQUIRY. The collision between the 6teamer Mako and the scow Seagull forwed the subject of an inquiry at the Magistrate's Court before Mr. E." C. Cutten, S.M., and Captains Reed and Rasper, assessors, this morning. The application set out that the Mako was tlie property of Richardson and Co., Ltd., of Napier, and collided with aud seriously damaged the scow .Seagull, the property of the Leyland O'Brien Timber Company, Ltd., Auckland, in that at about (i..">o p.ni. on July I_, 1918, the Seagull, while beating up the Auckland Harbour, and while close-hauled on the port tack, was collieioned by the Mako oil Victoria wharf, Devonport, and was so seriously damaged that she had to be beached to prevent her from sinking in deep water. The masters of both vessels alleged that they were carrying regulation lights. The Mako struck the Seagull on the port bows near the fore-rigging. Mr. Selwyn Mays appeared for the Marine Department, Mr. A. J. Moody for the master of tlie Seagull, Mr. V. R. Meredith for the master of the Mako, Mr. K. McVeagll for tlie owners of tlie Mako, and .Mr. 11. 11. Ostler lor the mate of the Mako.

Three questions ".vere set out in the order of reference: (1) Generally what was the cause or what, were the causes of the said casualty? ('-) In particular whether the casualty was directly or indirectly due or contributed to by the negligence, wrongful net of default, careless navigation, or breach of any of tlie regulations for prevention of collisions at sea on the part of any person or persons on the' two ships. If so. who were the persona? (:i) Could the casualty have been avoided, and if so,

how ? Charles XI. Renaut, surveyor of ships for the Marine Department, reported having seized the Seagulls lights on July 13, when she arrived at Nelson Street wharf. The lights appeared to be iv good condition, anil properly allixcd. THK MASTER'S EVIDENCE. Frederick R. Jensen, master of the Seagull, said that after coining into the hai-nour, and passing Urakci, tlie scow headed pretty well for the cable station. About the "middle of the harbour he sighted the lights of the steamer, which was heading straight for the scow, whose lookout called out a warning, but the crash followed. Witness lound the scow going down box iirst, no beached her at Devonport. lie believed the steamer altered her course just before colliding. A launch from the steamer came up afterwards, and the mate of the steamer said he was satisfied that the scow had her lights. He added that lie had seen them, and reported to the bridge to port the helm, but it was put to starboard. There were other men within hearing on the launch, hut they did not board the scow or make remark. The lights were left for an hour and a half, witness and the cook extinguishing the starboard and port lights respectively. He had never during three years on the scow had occasion to take his lights out of the screens,, and this was the .first time his reputation as a mariner was in question. He could not have avoided the accident by paying off. He heard no whistle by the steamer. Had the steamer put her helm hard a-port at the time it was put hard a-star-board, tbe scow would have been struck after. There was nothing to prevent the scow's lights being seen.

To Mr. Meredith, witness admitted having had a man with him at the wheel till live or six minutes before the accident. That was after tho Mako was (righted. When the Mako's mate came aboard the scow, he said to witness he was sorry for Captain Fletcher (of tho Mako) as he was only a relieving man.

To Mr. Ostler: The occurrence was entered in the logbook, which sank, four days after the collision, when it got dry. Mr. Leyland entered what witness wanted entered. Tie had not recorded the conversation between himself nnd the mate. This was tlie first he mentioned about the matter. Tho inquiry is proceeding.