STRANDING OF THE JESSIE READMAN.

Thames Star, Volume XXV, Issue 4667, 22 February 1894, Page 2

STRANDING OF THE JESSIE READMAN.

NAUTICAL ENQUIRY.

(Pbbss .Association.)

Wellington, This day.

An enquiry into the stranding of the ship Jessie Bead man at the Ghathams on the 23 rd of December last was opened yesterday before Mr Martin, 8.M., and Captains Dawson and Adams, nautical assessors.

Mr Gully conducted the enquiry on behalf of the Customs Department, and Mr Skerrett appeared for Captain Burton.

Capt. Campbell, of the steamer Kiwi, gave evidence as to the existence of strong currents trending from New Zealand to the Chathams, which were not known to the masters of oceangoing vessels. In consequence of ignorance as to these currents five vessels have been wrecked within a radius of 20 miles of the spot where the Jessie Headman is lying. He thought a lighthouse on the Island would be of great service to mariners. No directions as to currents were given in any nautical works, and he. had only gained the knowledge through trading to the Islands. Capt. Burton in his evidence ex* plained how the veesei went ashore on the 22nd. The weather was overcast, and he went on deck at 2 a.m. on the 23rd to swap, the second officer having watched. The weather was still very thick, and he altered the course from S.E. by east to south east. He reckoned the vessel was then 25 to 28 miles south of all outlying dangers at Chatham. At 3.15 a.m. land was observed, and lie brought the ship to wind on the starboard tack. Breakers ahead were then reported, and he ordered the vessel to be put on the port tack, but the wind failed and she missed the stays. He let go the anchor but she struck almost immediately, and bumped heavily. He had three boats on board. The life boat appeared in good condition, but the false stern was found to be rotten, and the planks partly came away. It was also discovered that one of the other boats was not fit for service. Eventually, however, all hands got ashore safely in the life boat.

The enquiry has now adjourned till Monday to hear Oapt. Eomerill, of the Kahau, who will speak as to currents setting in to the Chathams.