WRECK OF THE RAMA.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 December 1924, Page 7

WRECK OF THE RAMA.

THE ACCIDENT DESCRIBED. STORY OF THE CAPTAIN. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Dec. 17. The official inquiry into the wreck of the steamer Rama at Chatham Islands on November 17 opened before a Nautical Court, comprising Mr. W. G. Riddell, S.M., and Captains Barrow and Smith to-day. Captain Edward Cartner, master of the vessel, stated that on leaving Kaiangaroa he felt a slight bump, and about 20 minutes later the chief engineer advised him that the vessel was making water. He decided to try to jjet to Owenga, where there was smooth water. Later h e decided to try for Whangaroa, on the other side of the island, the only safe harbour.

The captain described how, finding the ship making water and beyond control, he beached her in 14 feet of water. The next day the fish was salvaged and the following morning a southerly came up and the ship was abandoned. He had been 40 years at sea and knew the Chathams extremely well. The only survey of the Chathams was made in 1840 and many points in it were false. Rocks were shown out of place and recently a heavy tidal wave occurred there and pumice came ashore. He said a submarine disturbance might have altered the soundings, but this was pure speculation.

The chief officer and the chief engineer gave evidence. The latter said that everything possible was done, but in spite of the large pumps the water gained.