THE DISASTER AT EAST CAPE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1424, 15 June 1899, Page 41

THE DISASTER AT EAST CAPE.

THE FINDING OF THE COURT. THE CAPTAIN EXONERATED. . AUCKLAND, Thursday. Ihe Nautical Court delivered jud°"ment in regard to the Hinemoa boat disaster this morning. In doing so Mr Brabant, S.M., said it was . unfortunate that it had been impossible to have the evidence of some of the men on the island. The evidence hoard, however, clearly showed that the accident was caused by an error of judgment on the part of the chief mate m attempting to hind when the surf was too heavy. The captain of the Hinemoa could not be held responsible lor the accident, as the first mate was a capable officer, and knew the landing, ihe captain’s instructions were definite to leturn to the ship if the landing was bad, and not run any risk. The Court could only conclude that the first mate, in attempting the landing, allowed his zeal for the service to outstrip his judgment. It was suggested that the crew should have worn lifebelts. The evidence of the witnesses was against such a precaution being usual, necessary or practicable. The Nautical Assessors suggested, however, that it was advisable that a regulation should he made compelling men working in surf boats for the purpose of carrying stores to lighthouses to wear lifebelts, and this suggestion will be forwarded for the Marine Department’s consideration. The Nautical Assessors concurred in this report. MR BROWN’S BODY RECOVERED. As the Flora was passing East Cape yesterday the authorities signalled that the body of the chief officer of the Hinemoa had been recovered.