Sequel To Sinking Of Pilot Launch

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31831, 8 November 1968, Page 15

Sequel To Sinking Of Pilot Launch

Charges laid after the sinking of the pilot launch Kalapoi on October 25 last year were heard in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday by Mr W. F. Brown, S.M., who reserved his decision. Two charges were laid by the Marine Department against Colin Bell (Mr W. G. P. Cunningham): that being master of the Kaiapoi he permitted it to proceed on voyage without a certificate of survey; and that he employed D. G. Clark as master of the Kaiapoi when he was not the holder of a certificate of competency. The defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges.

The Inter-Island Shipping Company (Mr D. H. P. Dawson) was charged that being owner of the Kaiapoi it per-

mitted the launch to proceed on voyage without a certificate of survey: and that it employed G. D. Clark as master of the Kaiapoi when he was not the holder of a certificate of competency. Pleas of not guilty were entered on both charges. A charge against George Duncan Clark that he suffered himself to be engaged as master of the Kaiapoi whilst not holding a certificate of competency was adjourned to November 21.

The Crown Solicitor (Mr N. W. Williamson) said the pilot launch Kaiapoi foundered in Kaiapoi Harbour after escorting a fishing vessel across the bar. The three people aboard were lucky to get ashore, he said.

Mr Williamson said the person in charge of the launch was Mr Clark, who had no certificates of any nature, while the person employed as master by the Inter-Island Shipping Company, Colin Bell, was not aboard.

In evidence, Captain Bell said he had not appointed Mr Clark master of the Kaiapoi but had told him to look after the boat when he was put in charge of another of the company’s vessels. He expected to serve as captain only a short time aboard this ship, but was actually master continuously for about six months.

Concerning the survey, he said he knew a lifebelt, an oar, and some line were needed to bring the Kaiapoi up to survey requirements. These were on board when the ship sank, though a certificate had not yet been obtained.

Captain Bell said Mr Clark was an extremely competent seaman and the foundering of the launch after being swamped by two “dumper waves" was a freak accident, which could have happened to anyone.