107
regarding which a memorial had been made to the Board of Trade from the Thames and Mersey Marine Insurance Company and other companies, to the effect that the S.S. "Japan" had been seriously injured by stranding on
Tit rock
1875
on
the 22nd day of June
I have the honor to state in reply that the rock on which the S.S. "Japan" struck lies on the range of the 3 fathoms line of soundings and is 300 feet westerly of a buoy with the word "Rocks" painted on it.
This buoy lies in about the centre of a cluster of rocks and has been there many years.
The "Japan" when she struck drew nineteen feet of water and the vessel should not have been taken so near to a buoy so conspicuously marked.
An additional buoy was at once placed to mark the rock on which the "Japan" struck.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordships' most obedient humble servant
Governor
Conf. 176-1 & S.519!