Storstad to Blame.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 69, 13 July 1914, Page 5

Storstad to Blame.

IST. LAWRENCE DISASTER. THE COMMISSIONS FINDING. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press (Association.] Quebec, July 11. The Commission found that the Storstad was to blame for the Finpress of Ireland disaster. Lord Mersey held that the collision was due to the Storstad's change of course, which was ordered by the third officer without the first officer's or the captain's sanction. The finding exonerated Captain Kendall completely, but suggests that he would have been better advised if he had navigated the ship so as to pass the Storstad at a greater distance. It was impossible to criticise Captain Kendall for an "unseamanlike act" in stopping his ship, as this action was simply a proper measure of precaution. The Commission held that the porting of the Storstad's helm was not done to counteract the effect of the current of the river St. Lawrence, and that Chief Officer Tuftness was negligent in not calling the captain when the fog arose. Tuftness was wrong in thinking that there was no danger, and ought to have called his captain as ordered. It was negligence on his part to alter the course on his own responsibility. The disaster was not attributable to any defect in the St. Lawrence course.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAFETY The Commission recommends closing the water-tight doors whenever practicable during fogs; that all water-tight doors below the waterline ought to be closed at sunset and remain closed until sunrise ; that rafts ought to be placed on the decks so that they will float, automatically if the ship sinks. Lord Mersey pointed out that the Commission had had much difficulty in deciding whethertfie Storstad and the Empress of Ireland approached red light to red light, or green to green. The stories conflicted on this important point. However, they had finally agreed that the Empress of Ireland's officers had told the truth. There were other events which had enabled the commission to fix with approximate accui*acy the actual approach of both.