XN000022-1972-05-24 — Page 1

P.R.H. 7 (REVIZED)

4000001

TRONG DAILY HOVERNMENT INFORMATION

SERVICES BULLETIN

INFORMATION

Wednesday, May 24, 1972

"JUMBO" FLOATING RESTAURANT FIRE

Findings of Commission Of Inquiry

The fire on the "Jumbo" floating restaurant at Aberdeen last

October was started as the result of electric welding in the aquarium

section of the vessel.

This is the finding of the Commission of Inquiry appointed by

the Governor to investigate the fire and to make such recommendations

arising therefrom as it may deem appropriate.

The Commission says the "immediete spread of the fire was due

to the easily ignitable and inflammable nature of the material used and

the presence of large areas of wet paint." H

The Commission's 32-page report was tabled in the Legislative

Council this (Wednesday) afternoon by the Colonial Secretary, the Hon.

Sir Hugh Norman-Walker.

The fire broke out on the vessel on October 30 last year. The

floating restaurant was then under construction in Aberdeen harbour.

Thirty-four people, including four children, lost their lives and 42

others were injured in the fire.

The Commission heard evidence from 90 witnesses, looked at 61

documentary or other exhibits and considered the submissions of Counsel

for the interested parties.

/On its