No. 92.
THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 27TH APRIL, 1872.
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.
249
The following Decision of the Marine Court of Inquiry into the circumstances attending the stranding of the British steamer Hailoong, Official No. 65,082, off Tungao Roads near Breaker Point, is published for general information.
By Command,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 27th April, 1872.
FINDING OF THE COURT.
CECIL C. SMITH, Acting Colonial Secretary.
1st. The British screw steamer Hailoong, Official No. 65,082, of the Port of Aberdeen, sailed from Hongkong, bound for Swatow, with a general cargo, four European, and about three hundred and fifty Chinese Passengers, and a total Crew of seven Europeans and twenty-five Chinese and Malays.
2nd.--Owing to the heavy weather, it was found necessary to anchor in sheltered positions on the
nights of the 1st and 2nd April.
3rd. The Hailoong started at 44 A.M. of the 3rd April from under "Kup-chi" Point, and because of the continual heavy weather, kept a course along shore, and at about half past seven A.M. without any indication of danger, struck on a sunken rock not noted in the Chart, situated in lat. 22° 54' 30" North, long. 116° 19′ 30′′ East, and commenced to fill rapidly.
4th.--The Captain and Officers appear to have used all proper efforts and means at command to subdue the leak, but finding that impossible, wisely determined to beach the vessel, and this was accomplished with safety at "Tun-gao" Roads, Westward of the "White Rocks," opposite to a village.
5th. After communication with the Chinese local Officials, the Chinese Passengers were landed, and subsequently thereto, the whole of the Officers and Crew left in the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company's steamer Bombay, which passed the place "en route" to Yoko- hama. The Master of the Hailoong remained by his vessel, placing himself and the steamer under the protection of a Chinese Government Officer.
6th. Assistance came on several following days, and the steamer was ultimately floated and conveyed
to Hongkong aided by H. M. Gun-boat Elk and the steamer Formosa.
7th.--The Court acquits the Master and Officers of all blame with regard to the striking of the vessel on the rock, and considers the action taken by them after the accident to be deserving of praise. 8th. The Court desires to express in the strongest terms its appreciation of the friendly and valuable services rendered by the Chinese Government Officers, and recommends that Her Majesty's Government should convey to them a recognition of their commendable conduct.
9th. The Court desires to bring to the knowledge of Government that the Hailoong cleared from Hongkong with 150 Chinese Passengers, but prior to sailing this number was increased to 350, making with the Crew about 400 Persons on board, for whose safety in event of accident, only three boats (capable of accomodating 75 Persons) were provided.
Given under our hands at Hongkong, this 23rd day of April, 1872.
C. MAY,
1
First Police Magistrate.
R. H. CAIRNS,......Acting Harbour Master. T. G. LINSTEAD,...Un-official Justice of the Peace. J. DOWDIE,
THOMAS OATES, Masters, Mercantile Marine.
Confirmed.
ARTHUR EDWARD KENNEDY,
·
• Governor.
27th April, 1872.
No. 93.
GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.
The following Table of Metereological Observations taken at the Government Civil Hospital during the Month of March, is published for general information.
By Command,
Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 27th April, 1872.
*
CECIL C. SMITH, Acting Colonial Secretary.
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