Navigator established ‘without any doubt’

Press, 25 February 1986, Page 6

Navigator established ‘without any doubt’

PA Wellington The preliminary hearing into the Mikhail Lermontov sinking has established “without any doubt” who was navigating the liner when it hit rocks in the Marlborough Sounds, says the man heading the inquiry. Captain Steve Ponsford, made this clear yesterday after questioning the Marlborough Harbour Board pilot, Captain Don Jamison, and recalling the master of the ship, Captain Vladislav Vorobyev,

for more questioning. Asked whether it was known who was navigating at the time of the grounding, Captain Ponsford said: “Obviously that would be a very important point to establish but that has been established during the inquiry without any doubt whatsoever.” Have you a clear picture of events leading up to the grounding? — “Yes, very clear.” Have you determined where the ship hit rocks? — “I know exactly where the ship hit”

Are you able to tell us? — “I don’t think it would be fair to ask me that until the report is made public or until the full investigation is announced.” Captain Ponsford said it was correct to say there had been no significant discrepancies between statements given to the inquiry. "There have been no problems whatsoever, and everybody, and I mean everybody, has co-oper-atedto the fullest extent.”