CO129-613-8 Reports on Kwang Tung incident 1-2-1948 - 2-6-1948 — Page 16

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There is insufficient evidence to show what actually started the fire, but the undoubted presence of large quantities of potassium chlorate in personal baggage must be accepted as the primary causę. We admit the

dence of the Government Chemist that this substance is dangerous in itself and also when in contact with other substances, and in such cir- cumstances would probably inflame organic matter while the potassium chlo- rate itself would decompose forming a white smoko which was referred to by a large majority of the witnesscs. We cannot set aside the possibility, of mineral acids being contained in passengers baggage, and where notassium chlorato is concerned the presence of such acids would be suffic ent to start a fire.

We are aware that under the provisions of Section 15 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance of Hongkong, Number 10 of 1899, and again under Section 446 of the United Kingdom Merchant Shipping Act of 1894, it is an offence for any person to carry, or attempt to carry, in any vessel any dangerous goods without so notifying the Master of the vessel. At the same time, and considering this particular trade, we are of the firm opinion that a fuller and more careful examination of passengers' baggage should be on- forced by the Authorities concerned with the routine searches for armes and the control of prohibited exports and unmanifested cargo. We are fully aware of the difficultics connected with such closer supervision, for many dangerous goods are not readily recognizable as such.

Wo made the following recommendations:-

(a) That passage tickets be sold only at the Company's Offices or by

their accredited Agents, and that the practice of issuing such ticket either on the wharf or onboard the vessel should be discontinued without delay.

(b) That when passengers are on board and the vessel alongside a wharf,

all cargo port doors on the wharf side should be fully open and provided with railed gangways covering cither the full width of the cargo port or where ramps are used then the full width of the ramp. Such doors on the off side should be also open, or partly open, according to the weather prevailing at the time.

(c) That notices in English and Chinese be prominently posted warning all passengers of the dangers and consequences of carrying goods on board which are likely to effect the safety of life and the vessel..

(a) That the various searching units be instructed to keep a sharp watch

on the nature of both passengers baggage and cargo, and if in doubt report the matter to the Master of the vessel and also to their sup Furthermore, that whore baggage is concerned the search should be carried

superiors. out at the entrancd to the wharf and before passengers are admitted to the wharfhe detection of dangerous goods, the Authorities are entitled to the fullest co-operation of the Master and Crow who should also maintain a constant and close watch for any goods of a suspicious nature.

(e)

That clear passageways at least 3 ft. wide be at all times maintained fore and aft on both sides of the passenger deck, and that all approach -es to stairways and gangways be kept clear.

We deprecate the long established custom of passengers being allowed to spread their baggage over the deck, but we realise the impracticability of suggesting they be separated from what, in many cases, may constituto their entire possessions by insisting that their baggage be placed in a separate compartment.

In conclusion we wish to place on record our high appreciation of the excellent work done by Inspector Arthur George Groves of the Hongkong Police and his unit, ably assisted by Revenue Officer Sui Hin Yit and his men, for their early efforts to control the stampede and their ready assistance to those already in the water.

The action taken by the officers and men of the Water Police, and the use of searchlights by the Fire Floats, are also to be commended.

Marine Office, Hongkong.

14th. Feb., 1948.

led Willian Sumpter

(James Jolly)

(John Buchanan

Philip Stirling)

(William Lumsden)

President-

Member.

Member.