LOSS OF THE WIMMERA

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13890, 16 October 1918, Page 2

LOSS OF THE WIMMERA

FINDING OF THE CCURT. HUM TO THE CAPTAIN'S NECLECT TO I1EK1) THK \i).MIi!ALTV'S WARNINGS. By Telegraph—Press Association, AUCKLAND, T.; .-oay. Tlip find hi!.; oi the Court in regard to Lin* loss ol the steamer Wii'iniora, he'd that the facts were consistent with the explosion of a moored mine, and that Lie vessel was travelling in -"id fathoms 1 I' water and through a minefield laid ' v ue enemy, i'..;- other mill**:- had boi ;i found mi the vicinity. There was i!" rueai lor doubt thai tin- vessel strus!; .! moored mine. Notwithstanding the warnings issued to Captain Kell on October i:i, I'M7. ;nid November 2, l!'i7. lie. on the trip Ironi Sydney previous In that on which the Wimniora was lost, navigated en ;i course from Iho North Cape which took the Wimmern close to (he position where she was subsequently lost. In Svdiiev, on June 17. 1 <>is.' Captain Kell ' was handed confidonthl information, and certain warnings. Alter receiving these warnings Captain Kell set a course from the North Capo which took his ship through water in an area which the warning of .January 18. 19I(i, defined as a dangerous area' It was difficult to imagine any navigational difficulties to account for his failure to comply wth the warning. The evidence showed that Captain Kell was a very careful and capable officer of long experience, hut whatever the explanation might he it was apparently impossible to crane to nnv other conclns:"n than that the loss of the shin wis (ha- to his neglect to take the precautions indicated in the Admiralty warnings. The Court remarket! noon the fine discipline on the vessel and the comparatively small loss of life and the fait *hat the captain remained with his shin to the last and gave his lif" by m> doing, acting in j.crord with the best traditions of the British Mi matile Marine. , Tn conclusion, the Court made an anneal to masters to nay the utmost attention to all Admiralty warnings and directions.