THE LOSS OF THE KEILAWARRA.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5797, 19 January 1887, Page 2

THE LOSS OF THE KEILAWARRA.

The Sydiey Marine Board on the 24th ult. gave the following decision respecting the collision between the Helen Nicoll and the Keilawarra : — "'That the collision was caused by the wrongful act or default of Captain Buttrey, the master of the Keilawarra, in recklessly navigating his vessel by continuing to procued at fall speii after smoke was reported ahead, ard for porting his helm, and thereby throwing the Keilawarra across the bows of the Helen Nicoll when he could see no lights, and could not possibly tell the direction in which that vessel was proceeding. Although the collicion was brought about by the porting of tbe Keilawarra, the board are of opinion that Mr Knowles, the watoh of the Helen Nicoll, was guilty of default fo? not stopping his vessel after a light which had been reported on his starboard bow became obacured by smoke, and its position could not be ascertained, and for not calling the captain immediately the light became obscured." Referring to the above, the board regret that the action of some of the crew of the Helen Nicoll In jumping on board the Ke'lawarra prevented Captain Fraser from rendering such important assistance with his boa's as he might have done, and, moreover, they cannot holp coming to the conclusion that had the crew of the Keilawarra seconded the efforts of iheir officers In srett'ng the boats out, such a sacrifice of life could not have taken place. The Keilawarra's passenger certificate was issued in Melbourne, and that of the Helen Nicoll in Sydney. Both vessels were provided with lifebuoys as required by the Board of Trade. The board have, however, under their serious consideration the necessity for making further regulations for pasienger steamers on th's coast to carry an increased number of lifebuoys and belts, and to facilitate the getting of boats into the water.

George B. Knowles, the officer of the watch, was cited to appear before the Marine Board to Bhow cause why his certificate shoQlcl riot Ye cancelled or i«tiapendarl After hearing the case the b^ard suspended his certificate for three months.