DEATH OF A SEAMAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14818, 27 April 1910, Page 5

DEATH OF A SEAMAN

CORONER'S INQUIRY CONCLUDED. CAPTAIN CHARGED WITH' MANSLAUGHTER, Press Association-By Telegraph-Copyright ■ SYDNEY, April 26. ( (Received April 26, at 10 p.m.) The coroner, who has held an inquiry concerning the death of Hansen, who was drowned as a result of the sinking of the Currajong after her. collision with thei -Wyreema on March 8, found that'tho collision was brought about by the culpable negligence oli Captain Maeburo, of the Wyreema, and "Re committed him for. trial on o, charge of manslaughter.

One of the most serious harbour collisions for. some years past occurred about Anqv" - <? n ' lht , eh 8 b6twc « n tho to • • „£>mpany's passenger liner Wyreema f6333 tons gross) and tho colhe* Cunwomr (603 tons) The .Currajong foundered almost immediately, it asserted by those on- passing vessels that, for several minutes before the actual impact, .both vessels sounded vigorous blasts of. their whistles. When it became apparent that a collision was inevitable, the masters of both vessels did their utmost to minimise its effects. Tho Wyreema was 10 times tho size of tho Currajong, and she struck tho colh'or a terrific blow right amidships. An enormous hole was. made in that vessel's side, and the water rushed in in such volumes that it speedily reached the engine-room, and extinguished the fires. In four minutes Bu GuTra l° n S 'began, to settle down, buddenly she gave a plunge and disappeared.

Boats were lowered from the Wyreema, and several motor launches which happened to bo in tho vicintv went to the assistance of the crow of tho Currajong. who wore loft struggling in tho water. All were s-«ed, with the exception of an able seaman, named Hansen. Mr D. J. Davies, the chief officer of the Currajong, said:-"The Wyreema nearly walked through us. Tho Currajong floated only two minutes after she was struck."

p TJ «'Currajong was, in oharge of Captain lv. W.^Smith, and thero was a erow of about 19.

.Captain Haebum, of the. Wyreema, stated that when he saw the other steamer crossing, from South Point to Rose Bay, ho blow two blasts of the whistle, and starboarded the holm to give her more room. Immediately afterwards ho saw the steamer's red light, amd slowed down the engines. As tho steamer continued to port her_ helm he sent tho Wyreema full speed astern-, and blew three blasts of his whistle. The collision took place shortly afterwards, tho Wvreoma strikng the other vessel nearly amidships.