MANUREWA – VESPER COLLISION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13456, 5 June 1907, Page 8

MANUREWA - VESPER COLLISION.

THE COURT'S DECISION.

~;.. ■ BOTH VESSELS AT FAULT. THE nautical inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the collision between the bai-que Manurewa and the scow Vesper, off Tiri on May 23, was concluded yesterday, when the Court delivered its decision. Mr. R. McVeagh appeared for Captain Nillson, of the Manurewa, Mr. McGregor for Captain Riddick, of the Vesper, and Mr. F. E. Shera for the Collector of] Customs. "' " . ! : In delivering the decision on behalf of the Court Mr. C. C. Kettle, S.M., said that, in the opinion of the Court, the collision was primarily due to neglect on the part of both vessels in not keeping a proper look-out. Authorities had said that a man employed; as a look-out: should be engaged on no other duties, and be stationed in that part of the vessel from where he could best see. The look-out on the Vesper, who was acting as helmsman, admitted that be did not see the, lights of the Manurewa until the bowsprit of that vessel was across the deck of the Vesper. In the opinion of the Court he did" not keep a vigilant look-out. The Court was satisfied that the lights on both vessels were burning brightly. : In regard to the look-out on the -Manurewa the .evidence showed that he was at his proper place until a few minutes before the collision, and that the master took him : from' his post to attend to other duties aft. f In the opinion of the Court the'- captain-was not justified m doing tins without placing someone in his (the lookout's) place!* - Had the look-out been at his post he must surely have seen the red light of "the Vesper approaching. The Manurewa/ being on the .port tack and being the vessel that would have to give way to a, vessel approaching her 6tarbord bow, should have/been exceptionally careful to see that a sharp look-out was kept for vessel's approaching " from that direction. The' master of the ■ Manurewa did not 5 do so, I and, ■in the ' opinion of the Court, he'. was to blame in that respect. In; regard to .the look-out both vessels were. at fault, and the '. Court was of opinion that bad a sharp look-out been kept the collision would not have occurred. The Court was unable rt< see' that any fault could be found with the Vesper just before the collision.; She was keeping on her course, .and, had a, right to do so. The Court considered that the costs of the inquiry should be borne by both vessels, one-third by the Vesper and twothirds by the Manurewa. The costs were so apportioned for the reason that the Manurewa was somewhat more to blame. Regarding the question as to whether an; independent; watch should be kept on scows, the , Court would express no decided opinion.' The evidence showed that of the three men employed on the Vesper, the captain 1 and one man were asleep at the tinieof the accident. The. other man was on deck, and that man was steering the vessel,; attending to her sails and everything "else. Whether such a state of things should --be.' allowed to continue was for the Department to decide. The authorities showed that the look-out should not be engaged ;in any . other duties. The Court did not intend to deal with the masters' certificates. By mulcting the vessels with' the costs of the case it was thought that justice would be met. If there' had been a breach of the collision regulations then it was' a question whether the port authorities might not take some proceedings. ■ ; • 1 The solicitor for the Collector of Cus-

Toms was allowed £7 7s costs.