559764-1928-Finding-of-the-Marine-Court-of-Enquiry-to-enquire-into-the-circumstances-attending-the-stranding-of-the-British-Steamship-Borneo — Page 1

484

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, OCTOBER 26,

1928.

NOTICES.

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S DEPARTMENT.

No. 593.-The following Finding of the Marine Court of Enquiry held on the . 18th and 19th October, 1928, to investigate the circumstances attending the stranding

of the British Steamship Borneo, is published for general information.

26th October, 1928.

F. R. HALLIFAX,

Colonial Secretary.

FINDING.

The S. S. Borneo Official Number 153537 of Hong Kong, of which ship the Master was Johannes Hendrik van den Berg who holds a Certificate of Competency as Master No. 3104 issued at Hong Kong, on 1st October, 1928, left Hong Kong with a cargo of coal for Shanghai.

The ship was drawing 19 ft. ford, and 19 ft. 11 inches aft.

The weather was rough with a heavy sea running and strong wind between N.N.E. and N.E. so on 2nd instant, and after passing Breaker Point, the Master decided that there was no alternative but to take shelter. He proceeded to Haimun Bay at about 2.30 p.m. with this object, being unable to proceed further in the prevailing conditions.

The Master stated that he was well acquainted with the anchorage having anchored there on previous occasions in ships drawing 20 feet.

On approaching the anchorage on a Northerly course speed was reduced and the lead was in use.

The anchor was eventually let go in 4 fathoms at 2.40 p.m. with Hainan Point bearing 090° and the West Point bearing 000°. Cable was veered to 75 fathoms. In this position there was some swell with a smooth sea.

The ship's head swung to starboard to E.N.E. when the Mate reported that he had felt a bump aft and subsequently No. 4 Ballast tank was found to be holed. Soundings all round the ship then showed 4 fathoms and the position of the ship was verified.

At 3 20 p.m. the anchor was weighed and the ship proceeded for Swatow.

The Court is of the opinion that the Master was justified in seeking shelter in Haimun Bay despite the fact that it is not recommended in the China Sea Pilot Vol. V but that in the unavoidable use of a general chart he should have anchored further out.

Given under our hands at Victoria, in the Colony of Hong Kong, this 19th day of October, 1928.

(Signed)

"

""

""

J. B. NEWILL, D.S.O., R.N., Commander,

Stipendiary Magistrate and President of the Court.

L. J. PITCAIRN JONES, D.S.C., R.N., Lieut.-Comdr.,

H.M.S. Kent.

C. ISBISTER,

Master, British S.S. Kiang Su.

A. W. HALL,

Master, British S.S. Telemachus.

E. V. BISHOP,

Master, British S.S. Chak Sang.

}