THE RIPPLE DISASTER.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 September 1924, Page 5

THE RIPPLE DISASTER.

NO ONE TO BLAME. RESULT OF INQUIRY. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Sept. 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 that the Ripple was in seaworthy condition when she left port and her cargo properly and safety stowed; that the deck cargo whs considerably less than that allowed by the regulations, and that it was securely lashed; that the vessel was well found and manned by experienced officers and men; and 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 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 heavy weather conditions and low visibility prevented any vessel arriving at Cape PaJliaer 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 canvass which could have been bent by her experienced crew in a short space of time, and there was nothing to indicate this had not been done. It was quite within the capacity of the erew to make a sea anchor in a short space of time if required.