The vessel was handled in a seamanlike manner, Captain Dundee setting a N.N.W. course when the launch let him go, and as far as could be seen by those in the launch the lugger had not sustained any damage by being in contact with the jetty.
From the sworn evidence given by Anderson, the survivor, it appears that after setting the course the Master went below and immediately gave way to drink, having two or three bottles of whisky hidden on board, and when this was consumed he drank two bottles of methylated spirits, with the result that from that date he was not accountable for his actions, and not in a fit state to navigate the vessel.
At 6 p.m. on the 21st October (day of sailing) the foremast went over the side, and though the Master came on deck at 8 p.m., he did not attempt to clear the wreckage, which was left trailing over the side till he again came on deck on the 23rd, at 8 a.m., when it was taken in, and a jury sail rigged with a staysail to the mainmast. Up to this time the man Anderson had been continuously at the helm; he then went below; shortly after, on hearing a sail flapping, he again came on deck, and found the jurysail had carried away, and the Master lying asleep at the helm. At 2 p.m. Anderson succeeded in wakening the Master, who then altered the vessel's course to S.E. and went below. Land was sighted at about midnight and reported to the Master, and at about 2 a.m. on the 24th the vessel struck a reef about five miles from the shore. The Master then came on deck, but appeared stupefied, and the man got the boat out, but in doing so she filled and parted her painter.
The Master then ordered Anderson to swim for the boat, and when he refused because Anderson then went he saw sharks in the water, he attempted to put him over the side. below, and the Master followed and attacked him, and in the struggle bit his finger severely. The Master then appears to have calmed down and succumbed to the effects of the methylated spirits.
The Master remained below till the evening of the 26th, when he came on deck and assisted to bale out the vessel. During this time she continued to bump over the reefs, and to make water, getting nearer to shore.
At about 9 p.m. on the 27th, Anderson was awakened from a sleep on deck by hearing He then a splash, and in looking over the side he saw the Master swimming for the shore. fell off to sleep and did not wake up till the next afternoon, the 28th, when on seeing the wind coming in from the shore, thus likely to drive the vessel to sea, he took a lifebuoy and swam ashore. The land was then about a mile distaut. On reaching shore he endeavoured to find Captain Dundee, but could find no trace of him. After resting till the following day, Anderson followed a cart track for five days without food, when he arrived at the homestead of Mr. Leslie Brown, completely exhausted from his privations and most trying experience, where he was received with great hospitality and kindness.
The beach in the vicinity has since been well patrolled by the police, but no trace of the vessel or Captain Dundee could be found.
After careful consideration of the evidence I find:-
(a.) The pearling schooner "Hugh Norman," owned by Messrs. Robinson & Norman, of Broome, registered in Fremantle, official number 125030, was lost on a voyage from Fremantle to Broome.
(b.) That when leaving Fremantle the vessel was well equipped and in very respect
seaworthy.
(c.) That the loss of the vessel was occasioned by the misconduct of the Master, to wit, drunkenness and neglect of duty and navigation through excessive indulgence in intoxicating liquor.
(d.) That as the Master (Captain William Dundee) lost his life in a vain attempt
to swim ashore, no further action can be taken in matter.
(Sgd.) C. J. IRVINE,
Chief Harbour Master.
T
(Sgd.) G. J. SINCLAIR,
Secretary Navigation Act, 1904.
25th November, 1910.