DEATH OF SHIP’S OFFICER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 8 February 1927, Page 5

DEATH OF SHIP’S OFFICER.

CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT,

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) DUNEDIN, Feb. 7.

An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Alfred Shepherd, fourth officer of the steamer Trevorian, who was killed while the vessel was unloading cargo at Dunedin wharf on January 18, was concluded yesterday. The coroner, Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., found that deceased’s death was due to shock following injuries caused by his being crushed by a case accidentally falling down the hold of the ship. The corner, in- giving Ms verdict, said that it was unfortunate that the evidence of the ship’s officers was not available, particularly that of the officer whose conduct was in question. The unfortunate deceased was working in the lower hold clearing dunnage, when the case fell down the hold, causing injuries to which he later succumbed. Tbe evidence showed that planks were not available to cover completely the hatchway, which meant that the men in the lower hold were working under unsafe conditions. The Gazette regulations made it the duty of the officer in charge to see to the security of the hatches. He was loath to make comment in the absence of the officer concerned, but the evidence showed that the second mate was in charge of the situation at the time, and either through negligence of duty, or oversight, allowed the work to proceed.