COLLISION AT SEA

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20426, 17 February 1938, Page 9

COLLISION AT SEA

ACCIDENT TO THE WANGANELLA OPENING OF MARINE INQUIRY EVIDENCE BY OFFICERS United Pres 3 Assr.. —Elec. Tel. Copyright SYDNEY. Feb. 16. A Marine Court to-day opened an inquiry into the collision between the liner Wanganella and the trawler Durraween on December 28. Arthur Noel, third officer of the Wanganella, who was in charge at the time of the collision .1.40 a.m.), said he saw a green light straight ahead. Some minutes later, thinking that the two vessels would pass rather close, he altered Ihe Wanganella’s course half a point. When the Du era ween was about 400 yards off, said witness, he observed her red port light, indicating that she had changed her course. Seeing that a collision was inevitable, continued witness, he altered the Wanganella’s course in order to make a glancing blow, but actually tlio trawler struck the liner at right angles. The night was cloudy. Samuel Mills, master of the Durraween, who was on the bridge at the time of the collision, said he did not j see the Wanganella's lights until four or five minutes before the accident. She was a mile or more off. He then saw her starboard lights on his port how. He altered his course one point to starboard. Should Have Got Out Of Way There was a thin mist, otherwise he would have seen the Wanganella sooner. There was no doubt in his mind that the Wanganella. under sea regulations, should have got out of his way. as she was coming on his port bow. The Court reseeved its decision until to-morrow. The Huddart Parker inter-colonial liner Wanganella. was en route from Sydney to Melbourne when she came into collision with the trawler Durraween. The trawler had her bows buckled and twisted for about six feet. Two members of the crew were injured by being thrown violently against parts of the ship when the collision occurred. The damage to the Wanganella was inconsequential.