The Rangitoto Channel Collision. THE FINDING OF THE COURT.

Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 129, 1 June 1889, Page 2

The Rangitoto Channel Collision. THE FINDING OF THE COURT.

[Bt Tklkgbaph.] | united prebß association. | Auckland, 31st May. Dr. Giles, R.M., in giving judgment today on behalf of the Court holding the enquiry into the Eangitoto Channel collision, comprising himself and the two assessors, Captains Fraser and Andrews, Raid the Court were of opinion that the collision was dne to the carelessness of Captain Kemp, master of the Australia, in shaping hia courße without any regard to tho approaching vesselß, and in such a manner as to bring them suddenly into a dangerone position. When thd Australia was abreast of the Eangitoto beacon, and with the double masthead light of the other vessels in view, the captain ported his helm, and after sighting the green light of the Awhina he ported his helm still more, and showed his red light to the Awhina's green. Until a collision was imminent he had, it appeared, disregarded the other boats altogether, taking it for granted that they would have to eet out of the way. The opinion of the Bench was that the master of the Anstralia under-estimated the distance between his ship and the others, and he should not have ported his helm without making sure that the approaching vessels were at a safe distance away. They were not prepared to say that he did not act with coolness and promptitude when the danger was apparent, nor had it been shown, on the other hand, that those on board the Awhina and the Essex showed any want of judgment. Notwithstanding the latter circumstances, the different opinionß of the witnesses representing the steam tug and the sailing vessel, as to the question with which of them the responsibility of the coarse lay showed a very unsatisfactory and dangerous condition of mind, The Court regretted that the result of the inquiry was to throw the blame upon Captain Kemp, but the evidence compelled them to attribute the accident to a want of care on his part ; and his certificate was therefore suspended for three months, and he was ordered to pay £31 5s toward the cost of the inquiry.