WRECK ON HOKIANGA BAR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 9 August 1928, Page 5

WRECK ON HOKIANGA BAR

NAUTICAL INQUIRY OPENED

(By Telegraph.—Press Association

AUCKLAND, Bth August. The nautical inquiry into the Joss of the Isabella de Fraine on Hokianga bar opened before Mr Cutten, S.M., and Captains Watt and Gibson (assessors). Eldon Lansley, surveyor of ships, said he surveyed the Isabella de Fraine on 2nd February and found everything in order. . John Fitchell, pilot and signalman', said he sighted the vessel at 10.45 on the morning of 14th July eight or nine miles to the northward. The wind was moderate from the south-west and the sea was decreasing on an ebb tide. The vessel arrived west of the bar at 1.30 p.m. .Witness signalled at 1.40 to wait for tho tide. The vessel kept to the southward and the engine was run for a short- time and then stopped. It- was started again and the vessel came round to the south channel. At 3.55 the signal was given to take the bar. The bar was then .workable. It was half-tide. Captain Berridge had worked that channel two or three times previously. He did not take the south channel, but passed it northwards. When he. got close to the main channel he was given a semaphore to cross the bar. He ran on a very short distance and then turned in as if answering the; semaphore. The engines were still going. From the movements of the vessel witness concluded there was something wrong, as the signal was not answered immediately. The vessel was about to veer in, to cross the bar when she turned northward again. A wave came along and the Isabella de Fraine slewed to starboard. The boom came right over and all - control appeared to be lost. The vessel was then struck broadside by a sea and capsized on the port side. Just prior witness saw a man in the rigging, though this was not unusual when crossing the bar. On every occasion the Isabella de Fraine had taking the north channel inward from Onehunga the south channel had. been unworkable. Answering Mr Meredith, witness said Captain Berridge had not always displayed good seamanship, as on one occasion he took the south channel against the signal and worked it. Early in the afternoon of the wreck Captain Berridge. carried south of the heads, turned, and first made for the south channel, hut passed it and was two lengths past the north channel when lie turned to cross inwards. "‘NO EVIDENCE TO SHOW CAIi'SE AUCKLAND, This Day. At the nautical enquiry into the wreck of tho auxiliary schooner . Isabella de Fraine, evidence was continued. William Mavne Buyers, assistant to Captain Mitchell (pilot and signalman), said ho was not surprised that Captain Berridge did not take the south channel when lie was signalled to cross. He said tlie signal may not have been seen. Harry McGregor, engineer and surveyor of ships, said he inspected the vessel after the new rudder had been fitted. The steering svstem included a quadrant and tiller. With either system there was a possibility of the chain becoming jammed, but this was less likely with the quadrant than with the tiller. Captain Gibbons, harbourmaster af Onehunga, gave’formal evidence regarding the vessel’s deck cargo on leaving Onehunga. Both Captain Berridge and liis mate were recognised as capable navigators. The Court found there was no available evidence to enable it to find the cause, of the schooner’s loss. The vessel apparently was quite seaworthy on leaving Onehunga; there was sufficient water "on the bar at the time, and it apparently was quite safe- for a vessel of (he Isabella de Fraine’s type to cross; the wind was moderate ; arid the sea not such as should make the crossing unsafe.