LOSS OF KANOWNA

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 59, 13 March 1929, Page 9

LOSS OF KANOWNA

CAPTAIN DISMISSED SERVICE

United , Press Association—By Electric Tel*.

eraph—Copyright

SYDNEY, ,12th March,

Captain Newberry, who was iii command of .the steamer Kanowna when she was lost recently, has been dismissed from the service of the Australasian Unitect Steamship Navigation Co., Ltd. ..',■.■:

Tho Court of Marine Inquiry which investigated tho loss of .the' steamer Kanowna on 6th March in. Melbourne found that the ship was not navigated with proper and seamanlike care, and that the master (Captain A. W. Newbery) committed an error of judgment. Captain ..Newbery: was, however, praised for "the efficient manner, in which he acted from tho moment he sighted tho danger ahead until every person on the ship was taken to safety." ■■•■.. •

Announcing the Court's finding, the chairman (Mr. Berriman, P.M.f said that the cause of the loss of the Kanowna was tlis striking of a rock on an unnamed island of the Anser Group. The course taken by the vessel from Cliffy Island .to the assumed southeastern point of Wilson's Promontory was correct, but from then on, in view of the- dense fog, and remembering that the position of the vessel was not, and could not be, ascertained, the master, should have slowed the Kanowna down to a moderate speed. In addition, the margin of safety he was allowing was too small. The Court was of the opinion that tho master committed an error, of judgment in navigating his ship between tho assumed south-eastern point of Wilson's Promontory and the point where the vessel struck. Tho Court found that the life-sav-ing appliances of the Kanowna were in good order. Apart from the failure of the master to navigate the ship with proper and seamanlike care, no neglect of duty or want of skill on the part of any person was found. The master was admirably assisted by all members of the crew. , y