THE DEFENDER FIRE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VIII, Issue 214, 12 August 1918, Page 3

THE DEFENDER FIRE.

NAUTICAL COURT’S FINDING. | Wellington, Aug. 10. I The Nautical Court enquiring into' the destruction of the steamer 1 Defender found that the lire origin-] ated from a naked light used in the J stokehold while, a cargo of benzine,' affected by leakage, was being! stowed in an adjoining hold. Also' that the bulkhead between the hold : and stokehold was neither air nor , watertight. The fire was primarily 1 due to the negligent act of Fireman ! Dossett in leaving a naked light on : the floor of the stokehold, and the wrongful default of the master and . chief officer in failing to take the : necessary steps to prevent the use of a naked light when benzine was be- ’ ing stowed. The danger was not ap-j predated. The Court did not consider that] the crew or any waterside workers j employed in loading contributed to the cause of the fire. The present outbreak indicated the necessity, of | all parties concerned in the carriage or handling of dangerous cargo to take every precaution possible to present such occurrences. The Court was of opinion that the a steamer’s hold was unsuitable forthe carriage of a benzine cargo and recommends stricter supervision by Harbour Boards over the handling of dangerous cargoes such as benzine and similar light oils, and that provision be made, when framing bylaws for inspection and licensing of vessels used in the carriage of such dangerous goods, with proper supervision by Harbour Board officials or persons of authority, to ensure greater safety. No order was made as to costs.