THE STRANDING OF THE HIMITANGI

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 19 April 1912, Page 6

THE STRANDING OF THE HIMITANGI

MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY OPENED

(Hntied Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, This Day

The Magisterial inquiry into the strangling of the steamer Himitangi at the Chatham Islands on February 11, opened to-day. Captain Cowan, master of the vessel, gave evidence that on the Jiight before the vessel went ashore at YVaitangi. the anchor watch was set early. Xext morning he felt the ship roll, and took steps to prevent her going on the beach, 'but unsuccessful. Sire touched bottom and the engines were not of much use then. Watch was kept by the fireman. He did not think it would bo better to have an A.B. on watch. The vessel was on the beach altogther for about seven weeks. He made many attempts to get her off. Eventually she was refloat ed. A cable- g-ave way owing to th? pin of the shackle breaking. H was an old shackle, but looked alright. Thos. Sawyers, second mate, said thai the vessel lost three anchors a month or two before. The cable had parted a number of times.

Arthur Calvert. Government Surveyor of Ships, gave it as his opinion that tht accident occurred because there was not sufficient cable out.. A statement was made by -Counsel that the directors of the Chatham Islands Fishing Comparry still retained confidence in Caotain. Cowan.