LOSS OF THE RIPPLE.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 16096, 20 September 1924, Page 5

LOSS OF THE RIPPLE.

FINDING OF THE COURT. JUSTIFIED IN GOING TO SEA. -A WELL FOUND AND SEAWORTHY. By Telegraph.—Press Association. WELLINGTON, Saturday. Judgment was given this morning in the magestrial inquiry into the loss of the steamer Ripple with all hands on the morning of August 7. The Court found briefly that the Ripple was in a seaworthy condition when she left port, and her cargo was properly and safely stored; that the deck cargo was considerably less than that allowed by Che regulations, and it was securely lashed; that the vessel was well found and manned by experienced officers and men; and that the weather conditions were not of .such severity as to warrant Captain Norling delaying his departure from Wellington; and the Court considered'ho was justified in proceeding to sea. The Court was of opinion that after being advised of the vessel's need of help all reasonable steps were taken by those asked to render assistance to the distressed --Vessel, but the heavy weather conditions and low visibility prevented any vessel arriving at Cape Palliser in time to save either the Ripple or her crew. The Court found it impossible to say definitely what causes contributed to the loss of the vessel, but the facts pointed to some part of her machinery being disabled when near Cape Palliser, and suffering from this handicap she Was eventually overwhelmed by heavy seas.

The Court dealt at length with certain suggestions of the Seamen's Union.. It was shown, said the Court, that the vessel carried canvas which could have been bent by her experienced crew in a short space of time, and there was nothing to indicate that this had not been done. It was quite V/ithin the capacity of the crew to make a sea anchor in short time if required.