THE MISHAP TO THE PENGUIN.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVII, Issue 51, 4 March 1903, Page 4

THE MISHAP TO THE PENGUIN.

RESULT OF THE ENQUIRY.

Press Association, Electric Telegraph

Copyright.

Wellington, March 3. Dr McArtbur, S.M., sitting with Captains Waddilove and Smith, assessors, held an enquiry to-day into thg., circumstances under which the Union Company's steamer Penguin grounded off Waihi Point, Jackson's Head, od the night of February 26th. Captain McArthur, master of the vessel, deposed that he ran into a thick fog at 11.58 p.m. He immediately gave the order to stop, and was preparing to drop the anchor when the vessel gently glided on to a ledge of kelp covered rocks. Thera were five fathoms of water astern and three and a-half forward. The vessel was fast just amidships. It was impossibleto see anything at the time. The vessel came off at high water six hours l*ter. The fog had come down suddenly off the hills. Up till its appearance the weather had been clear. The navigation of the Sounds was difficult, trying and hazardous at night, as there were no lights. Corroborative evidence was given by members of the orew.

The Court found that the mishap was due to the dense fog enveloping the ship at a critical moment. The Court acquitted the captain and officers of any blame whatever, and considered that their conduct after the mishap was worthy of all praise.