CO129-490 - Public Offices - 1925 — Page 639

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but jumped over-board and swam to the shore. It is said

that several were shot as they were swimming away but this

is doubtful as it was a dark night and it was impossible to

be certain of the results.

The "Sanning" another vessel of the convoy turned

around and tried to stand by, but she could render no

assistance whatever, in fact she only became an additional

target for the rifles of the disappointed desperadoes on shore

who fired at both vessels until they were out of range.

It is considered that if it is necessary to retain

certain of the Regulations until Naval patrols (hereinafter

referred to) are provided, it certainly is not necessary to

stiffen the existing Regulations but on the contrary they

should be considerably modified and all that is required is

that the bridge and the engine room and stokehold entrances

should be protected, and the officers armed.

GRILLES. The grilles are a real source of danger. They

interfere with the access of the passengers to the boats and

in all probability will be the cause of great loss of life

in the event of a vessel carrying them incurring any maritime

casualty. The Regulations so far as they relate to grilles

are in direct opposition to the provisions of the merchant

Shipping Acts. The Board of Trade requirements as to the

Survey of Life Saving Appliances 1920 par. 160 are as follows

"Proper provision must be made for access of passengers to

"the embarkation deck and for controlling and martialling

"them and finally embarking them in the lifeboats in the "shortest possible time". The present requirements under the

Piracy Prevention Regulations are to keep all passengers

other than those of first class below the bridge deck,

in all river steamers is also the boat deck.

which

In the case of

river