LOSS OF A SCHOONER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 9 August 1928, Page 7

LOSS OF A SCHOONER.

HOKiANiG A. BAR, DISASTER/ NO EVIDENCE! AiS TO CAUSE OF WRECK. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) . AUCKLAND, Aug. 8. The nautical inquiry into the Joss of the Isabella de Frame, en the Hokianga bar, was concluded before Mr Cutten, .M., and Captain Watt and Gibson, assessors. Captain Mitchell said he considered Captain Berridge was, a competed! and careful master, and that the explanation lie had given for disobeying the signal oil a previous occasion, because of the signal being obscured by mist, had been quite, -satisfactory. Witness took soundings two days after the wreck and confirmed his" opinion that there was ample depth of water on the bar. He had recently allowed the south channel to bo used, by vessels. Y\ illiam Mayne Bryers, assistant, to Captain Mitchell, said lie wa.s surprised that Captain Berridge did not take the south channel, when lie was signalled to cross. The signal may not have been seen.

Harry McGregor, engineer and surveyor of ships at -Auckland, sudd h-e hal imsipected the vessel after a new rudder had been fitted. The steering system included a. quadrant and tiller. "With either system there was a possibility of tli© chain becoming jam, bed, hut this was Jess likely with a quadrant than with a tiller. Witness produced the engineer’s report showing that the engines of the vessel were thoroughly overhauled, in January and repaired. Captain Gibbons, harbourmaster, at Onehunga, gave formal evidence regarding the vessel’s deck cargo on .leaving Onehunga. Both Captain Berridge and the mate were recognised as navigators. The court found that there was no available evidence to enable it to fimi the cause of the schooner's loss. The vessel was apparently quite seaworthy on, leaving Onehunga. There, was sufficient, water on the bar at the time and it was apparently quite safe for a vessel of the Isabella de FVaine’s type to cross. The wind was moderate and the sea was not, such as should make the crossing unsafe.