STORSTAD TO BLAME.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15018, 13 July 1914, Page 7

STORSTAD TO BLAME.

EMPRESS OF IRELAND DISASTER.

FINDINGS OF MERSEY COMMISSION.

CAPTAIN KENDALL EXONERATED.

(By Cabte.—Frees Association.—Copyright.) July 12th. 5.5 p.m.) ' QUEBEC, ./uiy 11. The Horsey Commission found that the Storstad Wj to blame for the Empress of Ireland disaster. Lord Mersey held that the collision was dne to tho Storstad's chango of coureo ordered by her third officer without the first officer's or captain's sanction. Lord Mersey exonerates Captain Kendall, of tho Empress of Ireland, completolv, but suggests that ho would hare boon better advised if ho had navigated his chip so as to pass the Storstad at a greater distance. It was impossible to criticise him for an un6eamanliko act in stopping his ship, as tho action was simply a proper measure of precaution* The Commission held that the porting of the Storstad's helm was not dono to counteract the effect of the St. Lawrence current. Chief Officer Tuftness was negligent in not calling the captain's attention to the fog when it arose. Tuftness was wrong in thinking thero was no danger. Ho ought to havo called the captain as ordered. It -was negligence on his part to alter the course on his own responsibility. The disaster was riot attributable to any defects of tho St. Lawrence course., The Commission recoinroende the closing of watertight doors, whenever practicable, during fogs. All watertight doors and portholes be* low tbo water Hue, in its opinion, ought to be closed at sunset and remain closed antil sunrise. . v Rafts ought to be placed on decks so as to float automatically if tho ship sinks. Lord Morsev pointed out that the Commission had much difficulty in deciding whether the Storstad or the Empress of Ireland approached red light to red light or greon to greeu. Tho stories'conflicted. Upon this important point, however, the Commission had finally agreed that the Empress of Ireland officers had told the truth in regard to other events which had enabled tho Commission to fix approximately and accurately tho actual approach of both vessels.