WAIKARE WRECK

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7026, 14 January 1910, Page 5

WAIKARE WRECK

JUDGMENT OF THE COURT OP, INQUIRY. UNCHARTED ROCK THE CAUSE. CAPTAIN JSTEWTON'S CERTIFICATE RETURNED. PKESS ASSOCIATION. DUNEDLN, January 13. The Court of Inquiry ooucopning tlie wreck of the Waakaro (javo judgment to-day as follows: Til© Court having carefully inquired into circumstances attending the casualty, in answer to the' questions submitted finds for the reasons stated;— 1. That tlio vessel struck on an uncharted rock in Dusky Sound, between Indinn Island and Passage Isles, at ahout 12.20 p.m. on January 4th, 1910. resulting subsequently in a total wreck. 2. That the .master (Captain Newton) exorcised every care in navigating the vessel in Dusky Sound. 3. That the .vessel was fully equipped and found in every respeot in case of disaster. 4. Every means ,was adopted for ■saving the lives of the passengers and cirew and the ship after the disaster, and also for ensuring tho oc-mfort o£ passengers until rescu- . ed. 5. That, the rock upon which, tiho vessel struck is not marked om •the chart.The evidence shows that tho Walkare struck an uncharted rock in the Sound. Tihe ship was navigated in.acareful and seamonliko manner, and thero is nothing in the chart showing any dangers 7 existing in tlhe ; course taken by the ship. All t3ie witnesses; agree as to the snip's- (position at the> time of- striking, and the, only soundings marked on tihe chart in . the vicinity show no bottom at 136 fathoms.' - '.7:'. ■• '' ■ - The. Court is of . opinion thiat no blame whatever is attributable to\tihe> master in respect of "the disaster. The Court desires to place on record the splendid achievement of tihe, captain and the discipline and jjronxpti-tnde-of the officers and crenv in lowering boats and placing the passengers in safety and attending to their comforts, and afterwards in doing thoiir utmost to save the vessel; also:-the prompt manner with which, the, Union Steann Ship Company dispatched a relief steamer to tlie scene of the disaster. * , •'■■"■',-■' .'"■ The master's certificate ,■. has been returned to him.