NAUTICAL INQUIRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21569, 15 February 1932, Page 8

NAUTICAL INQUIRY

STRANDING OF THE BREEZE EVIDENCE OP THE CAPTAIN. (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, February 13. The nautical inquiry into the stranding of the Breeze near Port Robinson on December 18 was continued this morning. Robert Gaston, chief engineer of the Breeze, said the engines were working efficiently, and until just before the stranding he received no signals from the bridge. At 0.55 a.m. he received the signal “ Full speed astern.” He executed the order, and almost immediately felt the vessel strike. A minute later he received the signal “ Stop.” Other witnesses gave evidence that the weather was very foggy. John Foster Norris, able seaman, who was at the wheel, said he could not see land before the ship stranded. Captain M‘Arthur, master of the Breeze, in reply to a question how he accounted for the stranding, said there must have been an unusual set. At 7 a.m. the mate reported that the ship was entering a thick bank of fog. Simultaneously with witness’s arrival on the bridge the vessel struck. When he found that there was no danger of the vessel sinking steps were taken to refloat her, and the vessel proceeded to Lyttelton. On the way up the coast he considered he had set a safe course.

Mr H. A. Young (presiding) : What 1 cannot understand is why you did not go on the bridge when the whistle sounded. Witness: I did not hear the whistle. I must have been in deep slumber, although it is hardly likely I would sleep through it. The evidence regarding the presence of a set (given in the Storm inquiry) was accepted by the court. Counsel briefly addressed the court, and this concluded the inquiry. The court’s finding will be announced on Monday or Tuesday.