NAUTICAL INQUIRY.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 114, 13 May 1920, Page 8

NAUTICAL INQUIRY.

STRAXDIXG OF TOE INGA. (By Telesrrapb.—Press Association.) WELLIXGTOX, Wedneeday. A magisterial inquiry was opened today into the stranding of the steamer Inaa off Taranaki Bight on April 30 wlTile on a voyage from Newcastle to - Wanganni with coal and hardwood. Captain Bull gave evidence that the night of April 29 was beautifully clear •nd the cea was smooth. He gave* orders before he turned in that he was to be called when the Patea light was sighted. He was not called at 2 a.m., but at 3.20 a.m. he beard the vessel grate, and jumped out of hi* bunk, when she bumped heavily. He ran to the bridge, and found that she •till bad way on her. The mornings was dear, but dark. He ordered the lifeboats out, and immediately afterward the chief engineer reported tfijit water was coming up the air pipe ol the after tank. The lifeboats were then , lowered to the .Tail. The vessel was bumping, but was etill afloat.' Soundings showed four to five fathoms from forward to amidships. He put the vessel ahead to clear the obstacle, and then anchored. He afterward* decided to proceed. When she •truck, land was barely a mile off: She struck about five miles from the" course he had set.

Evidence was also given that the Inga waa insured in the Bate via Office for £34,000.. There was no insurance on the

• The inquiry was adjourned until the afternoon to enable the second officer, who was on the bridge when the vessel struck, to, obtain counsel.

. Evidence was subsequently given in wWch it was suggested that there must flare been an abnormal current to take the vessel off Tier course,.

* Decision was reserved until Saturday morning.