THE ACCIDENT TO THE S.S. CHARLES EDWARD.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3352, 31 December 1883, Page 2

THE ACCIDENT TO THE S.S. CHARLES EDWARD.

OFFICIAL ENQUIRY. (By Telegeaph.) Nelson, Dec. 30. The enquiry re the accident to the s.s. Charles Edward was held before Mr Curtis, R.M., and Captain Gibbons of Waverley. The evidence was very lengthy. In giving • judgment, His Worship said :—I find there is not sufficient evidence to satisfy me as to the

immediate cause of the accident, as the course steered by the direction of the chief officer appears to have been the correct one in all ordinary weather, I consider further precautions should have been taken to guard against leeway arising from the low rate of speed at which the vessel was steaming. I am further of opinion that the master, Capt. Scott, was so far suffering from the effects of liquor taken previously to the vessel’s leaving port as to be unfit for the duties of his command, and that had his condition been as it should have been, the accident would most probably have been avoided, I therefore, subject to confirmation by the Governor, suspend the certificate of the said William Scott for three months, and adjudge him to pay the costs of this enquiry. Captain Gibbons concurred in the above. The costs were £l, The certificate of the chief officer (Mr Mackennat), and the chief engineer (Mr Laird) were returned to them.