KETCH STRUCK WHEN NO ONE AT WHEEL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18340, 17 December 1927, Page 4

KETCH STRUCK WHEN NO ONE AT WHEEL.

COURT ASCRIBES BLAME TO SEAMAN. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND. December 16. _Whcn the auxiliary ketch Coronation (56 tons net register), was bound for Awanui from Auckland on September 25 she bumped into the south-east end of Kawau Island just before dawn. An explanation was given at the Magistrate’s Court this morning to Mr Hewitt, S.M., with Captain Gibson and Captain Anderson as assessors. Mr Meredith, who appeared for the Marine Department, said that the ketch left Auckland at 11 p.m. on September 24 under engine power. The master, Thomas Monaghan, remained at the wheel until after passing through the Tiritiri Passage, and at 2 a.m. handed it over to a young ordinary seaman, John Fitton, giving him course north by west, which would have taken the vessel safely through the passage between Canoe Rock and Kawau Island. Fitton had since gone, to Sydney but had made a statement to Captain Attwood, Superintendent of Marine. Fitton stated that after being at the wheel for some little time he went into the forecastle to get some matches. He came back, put a becket on the wheel and then went into the galley to make himself some coffee. He said that he was not away more than four minutes. It was then raining steadily. He had a look at the compass and was on the proper course. lie could not see any land. He then called the master, but before the latter got on deck the vessel struck on Kawau Island. When the master got on deck he found Canoe Rock was right astern of the vessel. Not much damage, was done to the vessel and she was got off. It was quite clear that Fitton had let the vessel get off her course. Was Master Justified? The question now, continued Mr Meredith, was whether the master was justified in leaving the wheel in charge of a young ordinary ’seaman, and whether he should not have been at the wheel himself w-hen approaching such a passage as that between Canoe Rock and Kawau Island, and have seen the vessel safely through. Mr Mood}', who appeared for the master, contended that his client was quite justified in leaving the wheel to Fitton, with instructions to be called before Kawau was reached. The master was the only certificated man on board. With a vessel of that size carrying cargo, the regulations should require a second certificated man. It was too much to expect one mart to be up at all hours taking charge. The finding of the Court was, briefly (1) That the mishap was caused by a wrongful act of ordinary-seaman Fitton in leaving the wheel, (2) That the master acted in accordance with the ordinary custom prevalent on the coast, (3) That regulations should be drafted to provide for a second certificated officer on such vessels. The master’s certificate was returned.