PROBABLE CAUSE OF DISASTER

Evening Star, Issue 20511, 16 June 1930, Page 9

PROBABLE CAUSE OF DISASTER

WATERLOGGED BRANCH OF TREE STATEMENT BY EXPERTS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Juno 15. (Received June 16, at 11.30 a.in.) At the inquest on Sir Henry Segrave counsel for Sir Henry’s father stated that .evidence as tc the probable cause of the disaste- was now available, and would be produced at tho appropriate time. * After the inquest had been adjourned Lord Brecknock, on behalf of tho Marine Motoring Association, issued a statement signed by technical experts, who reportci that they were agreed that the boat, the engine, and the transmission gear wore all in perfect condition for tho first two laps and a part of the third, when apparently something happened to cause the disaster. From an examination of the boat before it sank, it appeared that the front step on the port side was torn away. Later, the missing portion of the step was recovered, and it furnished sufficient evidence to indicate the probable cause of the disaster namely, that a floating obstacle was hit by the rear portion of the step, causing it to bo torn off. Subsequently it had been learned that twenty minutes after the disaster a waterlogged branch of a tree, approximately 20ft in length and Sin in diameter, was picked up 200yds astern of the boat, and as near as can be ascertained in its direct path. WORLD-WIDE TRIBUTES ROYAL MESSAGE OF CONDOLEHGE (British Official WxreJeas.) RUGBY, June 15. (Received Juno 16, at 11.30 a.m.) Sir Henry Segrave’s death in yesterday’s .disaster on Lake Windermere, after he had achieved a world’s water speed record, has deeply shocked the country, and the world’s most famous drivers on land and water pay eloquent tributes to his skill and courage, which were combined with engaging modesty, which made him one of the most popular sportsmen in England. ‘ The Times says: “By his courage, his determination, his vitality, and his devotion to an end, Sir Henry Segrave set an example to all. A man of genius in his own fields, ho must lie counted among those who have deserved well of their King, and his name will be remembered in honour.” The * Manchester Guardian 5 says: ‘•'He is lost in tho undying attempt to discipline the forces of Nature to man’s purposes Like men who . have died to make flight safer and quicker for the bulk of us. Sir Henry Segrave was setting experimentally a pace that may be normal to om grandsons. Tho speedboat will, no doubt, bo tho parent of faster and yet more reliable motor craft than any we yet know, and Sir Henry Segrave’s brave grasp at the unattempted will assuredly rank as an heroic enterprise.”

Messages of condolence have been received by Lady Segrave from all parts of the world. The King and Queen expressed their sympathy in the following message:—“ It is with much regret that the King and Queen have learned of the tragic death of Sir Henry Segrave, and am commanded to convey to you the expression of their Majesty's’ heartfelt sympathy in your irreparable loss. The King recalls with pleasure the occasion at Bognor when he conferred » knighthood upon Sir Henry, and His Majesty mourns the death of one whose intrepid adventures on land and water were the admiration of the whole world.” The Prince of Wales also sent a message, saying: “Please accept my deepest sympathy in your and this country’s great loss ” The watch used for timing Miss England has been presented to Sir Henry Segrave ? s father.