LOSS OF THE MONROE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15560, 18 March 1914, Page 7

LOSS OF THE MONROE.

CONFLICTING JUDGMENTS. BOTH CAPTAINS BLAMED. By Telegraph Press Association— Philadelphia, March 16. The investigation into the collision between the Nantucket and the Monroe off the Virginian coast at the end of January, with the loss of 40 lives, has resulted in divided opinions regarding the charge of negligent navigation against Captain Berry, of the Nantucket. One investigator exonerated Captain Berry and blamed Captain John? stor, of the Monroe, while another found that Captain Berry wis guilty, and recommended that his license be revoked. The matter has been referred to the Department of Commerce for final adjudication. Captain Johnson has filed a suit claiming £200,000 as damages for the loss of his steamer, maintaining that this was due to the Nantucket's carelessness. He alleges that the Monroe was proceeding at half speed, but the Nantucket approached with such* speed that the accident could not be avoided. Captain Berry, of the Nantucket, on, the other hand, states that When the Monroe was first sighted 'he ordered the helm, hard-a-port, but the Monroe was going at a fast speed, and tried to pass ahead. She succeeded, but when the Nantucket collided. Captain Berry says, the Monroe was going so fast that the stem of the Nantucket was twisted to starboard.