RIPPLE DISASTER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19283, 22 September 1924, Page 8

RIPPLE DISASTER.

MAGISTERIAL- INQUIRY. FINDING OF THE COURT. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, September 20. Judgment was given this morning in the magisterial inquiry into the loss of the steamer Ripple, with all hands, on the morning of August 7. The court found briefly—(l) That the Ripple was in seaworthy condition when she left port, and her cargo was properly and safely stowed; (2) that the deck cargo was considerably loss than that allowed by the regulations, and it was securely lashed; (3) that the vessel was well found and manned by experienced officers and men ; (4) that the weather conditions were not of such severity as to warrant Captain Norling delaying his departure from Wellington. The court considered that Captain Norling was justified in proceeding to sea. The court was of the opinion that after being advised of the vessel’s need for help, all reasonable steps were taken by those asked to render assistance to the distressed vessel, but the heavy weather conditions and low visibility prevented any vessel arriving at Cape Palliser in time to save either the Ripple or her crew. The court found it impossible to say definitely what causes contributed to the loss of the vessel, but the facts pointed to some part of her machinery being disabled when near Cape Palliser; and, suffering from this handicap, she was eventually overwhelmed by heavy seas. The court dealt at length with certain suggestions of the Seamen’s Union. It was shown, said the court, that the vessel carried canvas, w'hich could have boon bent by her experienced crew in a short space of time, and there was nothing to indicate that this had not been done. It was quite within the capacity of the crew to make a sea anchor in a short time if required.