LOSS OF THE RIPPLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 224, 20 September 1924, Page 7

LOSS OF THE RIPPLE.

FINDING OF THE COURT. WELL-FOUND AND SEAWORTHY MACHINERY PROBABLY DISABLED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) * WELLINGTON, this day. : Judgment was given this morning in ! the magisterial inquiry into the los* of the steamer Ripple with all hands on the morning of 7th August. The Court found briefly that the Ripple was in a seawor-thy-condition when she left port, und her cargo was properly and sufely stowed; that the deck cargo was considerably leas than that, allowed by tliei regulations, and it was'securely lashed; that the vessel was well found s.ud man- ■ ned by experienced officers and men; and that the weather conditions were not of i such severity as to warrant Captain Norling delaying his departure from YV el- ' lington'. The 'Court considered Captain Norliag vas justified in proceeding to sea, and was of opinion that after being advised of the vessel's need for help all reasonable steps were taken by those asked to render assistance to the distressed vessel, but the heavy weather conditions and low visibility prevented any vessel arriving at Cape Palliser in time to save either the Ripple or her crew. The Court found it impossible to say definitely what causes contributed to the loss of the vessel, but thu facts pointed to some part of her machinery being disabled when near Cape Palliser, and, suffering from this handicap, she was eventually overwhelmed by heavy seas. The Court dealt at length with certain suggestions of the Seamen's Union. It was shown, said the Court, that the vessel carried canvas, which could have boeii bent by her experienced crew in a short space of time, and there was nothing to indicate this had not been done. It was quite within the capacity of the crew /to make a sea anchor in a short time if required.