CO129-619-3 Marine Court of Inquiry to investigate stranding of S.S. HONG KHENG- proceedings 1-7-1947 - 31-7-1947 — Page 16

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(1)iv.

From my experience the normal set and

drift of the current would be N.E., and the drift

would be dependent on the local weather conditions.

The "Hong Kheng" had a Kelvin 10" dry card

compass. I have no experience of any magnetic

phenomena which would affect the compass. Chilang

Point Light was not functioning. I also attached

great importance to Chilang Point Light. FI OL

leaving the Ninepins the visibility improved, and

at no time did I estimate it at under 3 miles but

I believed there was low cloud over the land,

Occasional rain showers were logged but I saw none.

The last position obtained was about 9.30 P.M. on

the 18th July being a cross bearing of Waglan and

one of the Ninepins.

The D.F. gear was never used.

I saw the rocks of Reef Islands about 2

cables off. From sighting the rocks to taking

evasive action the time elapsed would be about 15

seconds.

over

At the time of the stranding the engines

were doing 11.5 kts. and our the ground about 10.0

knots. The only book brought from the wreck was the

scrap Log Book and also the working chart. I carried

two officers. The 2nd officer was promoted to Acting

Chief officer when the Chief Officer was landed on

sailing day due to eye accident.

Only about one third of the behaved

in an exemplary manner the remainder were of no

assistante to me. The compass was adjusted October,

1946 and observation since that date confirmed the

deviation

dwestien direction card supplied by the adjusters.

Ac there was no moon we had no hope of seeing Pedro

/Blanco.