HARBOUR COLLISION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20304, 11 July 1929, Page 14

HARBOUR COLLISION.

SINKING OF LAUNCH ALERT.

NAUTICAL INQUIRY OPENED. EVIDENCE OF THE MASTERS. A nautical inquiry info the collision between tho Northern Company's steamer Rangitoto and tho launch Alert in the Waitemata Harbour, on the evening of May 3 was opened beforo Mr. Wyvorn Wilson. S.M., and Captain William Watt and Mr. Samuel- Dnlrymple, assessors, in tho Magistrate's Court yesterday. Mr. V. N. Ilubble appeared for tho Marine Department. The Northern Steamship Company, Limited, was represented by Mr. W. 11. Cocker, and Mr. A. Moody represented the master, Captain E. .1. Warm. Mr. L. P. I.eary appeared for Messrs. Parry Brothers, owners of tho launch Alert, and L. G. Sherman, the master.

Mr. Hubble said the collision occurred inside Bean Rock and as a result the launch Alert was sunk. Tho Rangitoto was proceeding from Coromandcl to Auckland and the launch Alert was going to Kawau Island with a barge in tow. The collision happened at 6.20 p.m., it being dark at tho time. Tho tide was almost at complete ebb and there was nothing unusual in tho weather conditions.

"Apparently no question arises as to the lighting of the vessels," said Mr. Hubble. "The masters of both vessels slate the lights were in good order and this is confirmed by later examination." Evidence that he had found the lights of both vessels in good order on examination the following day was given by Captain A. Davics, surveyor of ships. Ho stated the hole which caused the sinking of the Alert was slightly forward amidships of the port side. " Whistles of No Use." Captain Warm said he had been a master in the Northern Company for 10 years. Describing the Raugitoto's movements, he stated that after passing Bean Rock lie steered a course direct for the Farmers' Trading Company's electric sign. Two masthead lights and one port light came into view ahead, this indicating a vessel with another in tow and that she was on the port side. Tho vessel kept showing its port light until it was cloijo to the Rangitoto and then the light changed suddenly to green. The Alert was then three or four lengths ahead, coining across tho Raugitoto's bow. Tho liangitoto was put full astern ant! the helm swung to starboard, but a collision could not be avoided. The Rangitoto was travelling at 10 knots at the time. The barge drifted ahead of the launch and was not struck.

To Mr. Leary, witness said he saw no cause for alarm when he first saw the Alert's red light. At the moment.of its swinging over and showing its green light, ho could not have been looking at it. He then saw the danger and gave orders, endeavouring to avoid a collision.

"All tho whistles in Christendom would liavo made no difference," said witness, when Mr. Leary asked him why he. did not give a warning blast. Witness admitted he could have, whistled but staled: "Man, you have only two seconds to do all thir." Course ol the Alert.

Thomas William Savage, mate of tho Rangitoto, gave similar evidence. The captain's shout, "My God, it's green," was his first warning that the Alert had changed her course. Stating it was customary for him to take tho wheel of the Rangitoto when entering the harbour, Arthur Samuel Everson, able seaman, said the visibility was good at the time of ihe collision. Having his eye on the wheel, ho did not seo the green light on the Alert, lie acted quickly on the order "Hard a-starboard" and saw tho telegraph switched to "full astern."

The course of the Alert was described bv the master, Leslie George Sherman, who stated the launch was on the port side of the barge well aft. A call was made at Devonport and then a wide sweep was taken into the stream. His attention was called by the helmsman to tho port light of the Rangitoto. It was over the, starboard bow about 250 yds away. There was no alteration in tho Raugitoto's light and ho steered to starboard to avoid a collision, giving a blast on his whistle just prior to altering his course. To Mr. Moody, witness said he failed to see the Raugitoto's lights when he set the, course of Ihe Alert after leaving Devonport. When he saw the port light lie knew Ihe Alert was the, "giviug-way" vessel. Witness said bis navigation lights wero not fixed until after he had set his course iu the stream. After tho collision he rowed to tho Rangitoto, and in answer to Ihe master's query, "Did you not see me ?" he replied that he was not on deck. At this stage the incr.irv was adjourned until this morning.