56
THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 21ST JANUARY, 1899.
After the S. 15° E. course was set no steps were taken to fix the position and there is no other evidence before the Court until a few minutes before the casualty, the Chief Officer, who was in charge of the deck, and the Quarter-Master, who was at the wheel, having been most unfortunately drowned.
After careful consideration of all the points which have come before it the Court is of opinion that the loss of the ship was caused by the wrongful act or default of the Master, in that the ship was not navigated with sufficient and seamaulike care, and it therefore directs that his certificate be suspended for a period of twelve months from the date of the casualty.
The Court is of opinion that the boats should have remained by the ship, as they were ordered, instead of making for Hongkong as they did, had they done this it is possible that they might have been able to save the four lives which were lost.
The Court desires to place on record its high opinion of the conduct of the Master, Chief Officer, and others who stood by the ship to the last and exerted themselves to reduce as far as possible the Consequences of the casualty.
Further, the Court also wishes to place on record their high appreciation of the conduct of the Second Engineer, Mr. ROBERT BOYD, who stood by his Captain in the ship and did his duty below alone to the very
last.
The Master if he so desires may be granted a First Mate's Certificate. The Master's Certificate having been lost with the ship cannot be given up.
Given under our hands at Hongkong this 13th day of January, 1899.
R. MURRAY RUMSEY, Retd. Comdr. R.N.,
President of Court. RICHARD J. ROGERS, Staff Commander, R.N.,
H. M. S." Tamar,"
RUPERT ARCHIBALD,
Commander, R. M. S. “ Empress of China.”
HARRY MOWATT,
Master, Brit. S. S. “Athenian.”
WILLIAM ARCHARD EVANS,
Master, Brit. S. S. “Monmouthshire,"
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.-No. 33.
The following is published.
By Command,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 21st January, 1899.
Government of China.
SWATOW DISTRICT.
LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS, No. 31.
T. SERCOMBE SMITH,
Acting Colonial Secretary.
Dove Rock Buoy adrift.
Notice is hereby given that the Dove Rock Whistling Buoy has broken adrift from its mooring, and has not yet been recovered.
A temporary buoy to mark the Dove Rock will be moored as soon as possible.
Approved:
F. A. MORGAN,
Commissioner of Customs.
CUSTOM HOUSE,
SWATOW, 12th January, 1899.
C. P. DAWSON,
Harbour Master.