Boat inquiry to resume

Press, 14 December 1982, Page 1

Boat inquiry to resume

PA Wellington The preliminary inquiry into the foundering of the Taiwanese squid boat, the Yung Pen, off Ohiro Bay on Sunday, will resume in Wellington today, continuing the captain’s part-heard evidence. At yesterday afternoon’s hearing, the man making the

preliminary inquiry, the Superintendent of Mercantile Marine, Mr David Young, heard evidence from one crew member and part of the captain’s evidence. Mr Young is still to hear evidence from the first mate, radio operator, and watchman. Many of the crew were asleep at the time of the accident.

The purpose of the preliminary inquiry is to establish the cause of the sinking. Mr Young will make a report on his findings to the Minister of Transport, Mr Gair, and recommend whether a formal inquiry should proceed.

Mr Young said he hoped to make his report to Mr Gair by Christmas. The contents will not be published until Mr Gair has received the report. Only the radio operator speaks fluent English and all the evidence is being heard through an Internal Affairs Department interpreter. The Yung Pen is firmly wedged against the rocks on Ohiro Bay and is not a danger to other shipping. It was on its way into Wellington after a voyage from Taiwan to relicense for the new foreign ship squid season. ' ,