WRECK OF A KETCH.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 63, 14 March 1924, Page 5

WRECK OF A KETCH.

CORONER'S HARSH COMMENT. LIFEBOAT CREW EXONERATED. NO LACK OF SEAMANSHIP. (By Cable.—rress Association. —Copyright.) (Iteceivcd 12 noon.) LONDON, Mareli -13. The Board of Trade, after consulting advisers, concluded that there was no evidence of want of diligence or seamanlike care on the part of the coxswain and crew -of the lifeboat at the wreck of the Lord Hamilton. — (A. and N.Z. Cable.) An inquest on a sailor, who died in the wreck of the Lord Hamilton, a ketch, on the Goodwin Sands, was most pathetic owing to public criticism of the lifeboat service, which the coroner apparently endorsed. | Davies and Fames, who were rescued, i were unable to walk, but their state- | ments were read to the Court, describing their horror when unable to attract the lifeboat. The coxswain, who several times was on the point of breaking down, gave evidence that he got within 20 yards of the wreck the first time. None of the crew saw anyone or heard any voices. i Coroner: That's ali very well, but the I men might have been seen. j ■Coxswain (dramatically): We would I not have left a dog in the rigging if we ! had seen him; but you must realise there were terrible seas. Later we learnt the sailors wrapped the topsail around themselves for warmth. That is why v.c did not see them. The men also said they could not shout because their throats were so parched. Coroner: This is a terrible story. One man's life lias been lost. | Coxswain: I have had no rest since I have been told I should be up for murder. 1 have been -0 years with the lifeboat. Coroner: There is no question of minder, but everybody thinks you might have been more diligent in Sliding the men. Coxswain: We went through terrific seas twice. Other evidence showed that marine "lasses were useless in such weather. The verdict was death from misadventure.