S.S. HIMITANGI.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXIV, Issue 25, 19 April 1912, Page 8

S.S. HIMITANGI.

THE OFFICIAL ENQUIRY. [Press Association.] WELLINGTON, This Day. The magisterial enquiry into the stranding of the steamer B iniitaugi at the Chatham Islands on February •,11, was opened o-day. Captain Cowan (master), gave evidence that the night beiore the vussel went ashore at Waitangi, an anchor watch was set. Early next morning we felt the ship roll and took steps to prevent her going on the beach, but Ave were unsuccessful. She touched the bottom and the engines Aver'o not of" much use then. A watch was kept by a fireman. He did not think it would be better to have an A.B. on the watch. The vessel was on the beach altogether for about seven weeks. (T-liey made many attempts to get her off and eventually she Avas refloated. The cable gave way, owing to the pin of the shackle breaking. It was an old shackle, but looked alright. Thos. Sawyers, second mate, said the vessels lost three anchors, a month or two before and the cable had parted a number of times. Arthur Calvert, Government surveyor of ships, gave it as his opinion that the accident occurred because there was not sufficient cable out. The statement was made by Counsel that the directors of the Chatham Islands' Fishing Co., still retained confidence in Captain Cowan.