LOST IN THE ATLANTIC

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22226, 28 September 1935, Page 2 (Supplement)

LOST IN THE ATLANTIC

DRAMA OF THE MILLPOOL TIDAL WAVE STRIKES VESSEL JUDGMENT AT THE INQUIRY r ■ Perils of tho sea caused the loss of the steamship Millpool, which was an old but thoroughly seaworthy ship. This was established recently in Lord Merrivale's judgment on the loss of tho vessel last October in an Atlantic gale, with her crew of 26, while on a voyage from Danzig with a cargo of rve. The Millpool, of 4218 tons, was built in 1906. She was managed by Sir R. Ropner and Company, of Hartlepool. Her master was Captain Arthur Newton. Lord Merrivale pointed out that tho instruction to the captain to "try to make a fast voyage" was one tho owners were lawfully entitled to give. " It will be idle to say more," ho added, "than that tho captain, like a bravo mariner, held on to his course until there was no alternative."

Discussing the question of insurance, Lord Merrivalo remarked that the Millpool's owners were entitled to receive about twice her actual value as estimated by their valuers, and four times the value at which she stood in their books as an asset. " In a case like the present these facts could not fail to attract attention," he went on. " They led to much embittered comment. " What the law should be with regard to tho insurance of merchant ships, whether insurance beyond present values bo sanctioned or, indeed, brought about —by conditions which require owners to pay premiums on £14,000 when there is only half that insurablo value, are matters which seem to involve grave consequences. " It mav be that attention should bo given not'only to the permissible standards of insurance, but also to the question whether, under modern conditions, not only ships and cargoes, but the lives of seamen should bo taken

into account in deciding what are the risks to be provided against. The outstanding fact with regard to the loss of the Millpool is her master's discovery that water was entering the forehold,' added Lord Merrivale. " Not only could the leak not bo discovered, but the pumps could not be effectively used as tho suction boxes were at the after-end in each compartment. " Such facts and the condition of the seamen's and the firemen's quarters provoke inquiry as to whether rules and procedure now in force provide for sufficient standard surveys, and whether the age of ships should be taken particularly into account, so that risks of loss bv perils of tho sea may be very fully guarded against," declared Lord Merrivale. To the Board of Trade's question: " Was the loss caused or contributed to bv the wrongful act or default of the ship's owners or her manager?" the answer of the Court was, " No." Tho Millpool, it was decided, was struck by a terrific sea more in the nature of a tidal wave than a sea caused by an ordinary Atlantic gale. Her steering gear was in good and proper condition.