LOST WITH SIX LIVES

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 53, 6 March 1929, Page 9

LOST WITH SIX LIVES

ANNIE M. MILLER INQUIRY

FINDING OF THE COURT

United Press Association—By Elanlrlc Tel».

eraph—Copyright

SYDNEY, sth March,

At the marine inquiry into the loss of the collier Annie/M. Miller recently, counsel for the Superintendent of Navigation declared that the vessel was overloaded. She had. a list to port, and the hatches were.'not properly covered. ,

John Tracy, second engineer, gave evidence that neither ho himself nor the chief engineer was satisfied with the condition of the vessel when she loft Bulli. Witness asked the captain whether the hatches were to bo covered by tarpaulins, and when he learned that they were not, he replied: "Had I known that, this ship would never have left the jetty." The ship had a definite list and was rolling lazily. When approaching Sydney Heads the captain became alarmed and ordered full speed ahead,- but the vessel turned over on top of them off.Bondi. Witness saw the captain swept off the bridge. The crew Jloumlercd in the water and some disappeared near the propeller. The majority had lifebelts.

Other evidence was of a similar char, acter. ■

The Court found that the vessel sank owing to overloading, improper loading, and the. absence of tarpaulins over the hatches. '•■/"'"

The Amiie M. Miller capsized and foundered six miles south-south-cast of Sydney Heads and six of the crew were drowned. ■ ■ ' .