THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 13TH MARCH, 1886.
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.-No. 92.
187
The following finding of a Marine Court appointed to enquire into the stranding of the British Steam-ship Thames, is published for general information.
By Command,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 13th March, 1886.
FREDERICK STEWART,
Acting Colonial Secretary.
FINDING.
We find that the British Steam-ship Thames, Official Number 85,898 of Glasgow; WILLIAM ARTHUR SEATON, Master, whose Certificate of Competency is No. 14,245, left Hongkong harbour at about 4.15 P.M. on the 2nd March, bound for London via Colombo and Bombay, having on board the mails for Europe.
That on the day of sailing, the weather was misty with banks of fog rolling in from the Eastward, but with intervals of fairly clear weather, during one of which, the steamer proceeded on her voyage.
That soon after leaving the buoy, the fog again came down, but the Master having had an opportunity of shaping a Course for the Lyeemoon Pass, proceeded on this Course, going at a moderate speed, and taking precautions.
That at about 4.55 P.M., land ahead was reported by the "look out," and that shortly after this, the Thames struck on the South West point of the Lyeemoon Pass, damaging her bow, and causing her to make considerable quantity of water.
That the vessel did not remain fixed, but came off almost immediately.
That the necessary temporary repairs being made, the ship proceeded into the Aberdeen dock. We find that the Master was justified in commencing the voyage on the day in question, and that he appears to have navigated his vessel in a seamanlike manner, and that when the casualty was inevit- able, to have done every thing in his power to avert it.
That the casualty appears to have been brought about through the ship, when going at a moder- ate rate of speed, being set to the Southward by the tide flowing through the Lyeemoon Pass, and sweeping towards Shau-ki-wan Bay.
That proper discipline appears to have been maintained, and that all necessary precautions were taken after the casualty.
That the Court sees no ground for attributing any blame to the Master, and his Certificate is therefore returned to him.
Given under our hands at Hongkong, this 10th day of March, 1886.
R. MURRAY RUMSEY, Ret. Com., R.N., and
President of Court.
GEORGE S. KEIGWIN, Navigating Lieutenant, R.N. T. S. GARDNER, Master British Steamer "Japan."
SAML. ASHTON, Master British Steamer “Formosa.”
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.--No. 93.
Tenders will be received at this Office until Noon of Thursday, the 25th instant, for turfing work on the Conduit Road from Wongneich'ung to Wántsai Gap.
For form of tender apply at this Office.
For specification and further particulars apply at the Surveyor General's Office.
The Government does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender.
By Command,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 13th March, 1886.
FREDERICK STEWART,
Acting Colonial Secretary.
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