THE YONGALA ENQUIRY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 93, 9 June 1911, Page 5

THE YONGALA ENQUIRY.

(Received 9. 0.30 a.in.) Rvlsbanc', June 9. At the Yongala enquiry, Vir. Wareham said she-was a stiff ship, fully equipped with nautical instruments. The captain was an excellent seaman, and had no orders to push the ship owing to keen competition. He heard of no complaints by passengers of the Yongala’s excessive rolling. Ho thought her immune from any other form of disaster than striking a rock. Judging from the small quantity of cargo recovered, a very small hole must have been torn in her bottom, and she foundered very quickly. She cost £102,000, and was insured for £65,000, the company carrying the balance of the risk. Captain Hansen and the stevedore gave evidence that the Yongala was safely stclvod, and it was impossible f for any cargo to have shifted. She had never boon so light on the upper decks. She rolled a hit, but not more than other ships. Captain Rotawoll, Government Pilot, was of opinion that thei Yongala mot the full force of v, gale at midnight and simply foundered. The search lie had made disclosed no evidence that she struck a rock. Possibly some cargo had shifted, otherwise a vessel like the Yongala would have weathered the storm. He did not suggest any negligence in stowage. There was nothing lacking in either the ship, officers, or crew. Mr. Leslie, Superintendent of Wharves, deposed that the Yongala was a tender, but safe shin. She rolled heavily, and it took only a few tons on either side tn five her a list, hut .she righted steadily- rm|,,ibm-Qn ■ been better found rv canippad, The ■ "argo might have 'shifted.. Ho never ' new it to d.o so. Hi? opinion was that the disaster was caused by striking sonic obscured object or ebetnss,aion.“~ ■■’■'Other evidence, .supported the Yon- / gala’s- s/'cwofhiness and proper equipment. -There were no complaints bv the captai nor officers against the sail.gug'capacities of the steamer.