STRANDING OF THE KAURI

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 60, 8 September 1914, Page 3

STRANDING OF THE KAURI

The finding of the Court of Enquiry into the stranding of the Kauri at Westport on the 23rd June, was as follows : (1.) The accident -was not due to any neglect or default or error of judgment on the part of the master. (2) Th© accident was due to a vis major, in that she was struck by a sudden squall at the most critical moment of entering the port. (3.) The accident was not due to any defect in the shit) or her tackle. From the evidence before the Court it appears that there was nothing so abnormal in the conditions existing at the time as to render an attempt to enter the harbour negligence on the part of the master; moreover, the signals indicated that in the opinion of the harbour officials the prevailing conditions were saie fc-T entering. The master took all reasonable precautions to ensure a safe entry. The fact that the vessel was flying light tended to make her unmanageable for a few seconds at the most critical point. We see no Teason for suspending j the certificate of the master or attributing any blame to him in respect of the accident. While the existing lights had nothing to do with the accident, the Court is of opinion that a more distinctive grean light on the port side of the harbour should be provided. The Court is of opinion that after th© accident Captain Ruxton acted with due I promptness and diligence, and did all in. his power to save the ship.