CO129-619-3 Marine Court of Inquiry to investigate stranding of S.S. HONG KHENG- proceedings 1-7-1947 - 31-7-1947 — Page 15

15.

(1)±±±

showed signs of breaking her back at No. 3 bulkhead.

I came to the conclusion that disembarkation would

soon become impossible from the gangways, and with

the help of my officers I directed all passengers to

the fore end of the ship, and rèsumed disembarkation

by pilot ladder. The salvage tug "Caroline Moller"

arrived about 6.0 P.M. and enquired if they could be

of any assistance. I replied nothing could be done

until the disembarkation was completed but requested

them to place their motor boat at our disposal.

was agreed to and much valuable work was done.

8.0 P.M. I left the vessel after first making sure

that no person remained on board. The Maval party

also conducted a search. 1620 passengers and 181 crew

were safely removed from the vessel. One passenger

a very old man died from natural causes on board

W

shortly after stranding.

I joined the "Caroline

This

At

Moller" with a view to standing by. About 10.0 P.M.

the lookout man of the Tug reported that the "Hong

Kheng" was on fire. I saw flames and smoke on the

starboard side of the forcastle - indicating the lamp

room. Later on the entire vessel was ablaze and was

smouldering the next morning. Salvage was out of the

question and we returned to Hong Kong.

I have been in the China Coast trade since 1928

and been in command since 1935. During passage from the

Ninepins towards Chilang Point the wind was ENE from

5-6. The "Hong Kheng" had a Kelvin type sounding

machine.

Ninepins.

No soundings were taken after leaving the

Soundings would most probably have indicated

an inshore set. I was aware of the tropical revolving

storm which passed about 150 miles to the southwards

on the 18th. I have never experienced an abnormal set

and drift which I could definitely ascribe to the passing

/of a tropical revolving stor