FORCED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS REGARDING SINKING OF VESTRIS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18615, 17 November 1928, Page 6

FORCED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS REGARDING SINKING OF VESTRIS.

(United Press Assn. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received November 17, 1.55 p.m.) NEW YORK, November 16. Federal Attorney Tuttle read for record Sir Harry Armstrong’s offer of cooperation and suggestions in regard to the aid of nautical experts in the investigation of the Vestris disaster. Mr Tuttle issued subpoenas for the production of the vessel’s cargo manifest and lifeboat XIII., which he wishes to have inspected. Mr Tuttle called Charles Verchere, assistant radio officer, to the witness stand. Verchere was nervous and was forced to answer questions instead of being allowed to give his personal account of events. His testimony was largely a repetition of “I do not remember.” Chief-Officer Johnson was expected to appear, but was missing from his hotel and could not be located. The other assistant radio officer testified and from the combined testimony of the latter and Verchere Mr . Tuttle stated that he assumes that radio communication was held between the Vestris and Lamport and Holt within tw T enty-four hours before the wreck. Captain Carey’s radio records will probably be inspected. Mr Tuttle subpoenaed all radio communications existing between Captain Carey and the owners, and also the operators and others connected with the transmission of such messages Verchere testified that the Vestris had a slight collision with a cargo boat in New York harbour a few days before she sailed, after which she had minor repairs made. The assistant radio officer, Macdonald, stated that he left the radio cabin with the chief radio otficer, Michael O’Loughlin, before the ship sank. He was vague about the time of departure but said that it was between thirty and forty-five minutes previous to the sinking of the ship. Both then entered the lifeboats. O’Loughlin did not appear again. Neither Verchere nor Macdonald could remember when the first S.O.S. was sent. Mr Tuttle: A very unbusinesslike | job in your cabin. It has been established that reports are incorrect that an S.O.S. sent on Sunday was later revoked by Captain Carey. A representative of the Radio Marine Corporation produced messages which he stated were all that could be found bearing on the case. These concerned Captain Carey’s reporting to Lamport and Holt (the owners) : “ Listing. Unable to proceed anywhere.” An official stated that he found no trace of reported earlier communications from Captain Carey but would continue his search.—Autsralian Bress Association.