Sessional_Paper_1923 — Page 86

81

HONGKONG.

No.

1923

ENQUIRY INTO CIRCUMSTANCES ATTENDING CAPSIZING OF STEAM LAUNCH "FEI DIN YAT."

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Governor on the 30th August, 1923.

Commissioners' Report.

We, the Members of the Commission appointed by His Excellency the Governor to enquire into and report on the circumstances attending the capsizing of Steam Launch Fei Din Yat on the 8th July, 1923, have accordingly the honour to submit the following Report, together with recommendations in relation thereto. We are of opinion that this Commission of Enquiry had three main objects, viz.:—

1. To endeavour to ascertain what caused Steam Launch Fei Din Yut to capsize in the Southern Fairway of Hongkong Harbour at 12.30 p.m. on 8th July, 1923, as a result of which some twenty-five persous lost their lives. 2. To examine into and report if this launch was a good and proper launch for the service she was engaged in, up to July 8th, 1923.

3. To make practical suggestions and recommendations with a view to preventing if possible, a recurrence of such a disaster.

Cause of Capsizing.

1. We find that the capsizing of this launch was due to the following reasons:-

(a) A large number of passengers with their baggage collected on the star- board side preparatory to leaving the launch which was then lying stopped in the Southern Fairway off Salt Fish Lane.

(b) A number of cargo dealers with their coolies came on board over the starboard side at the same time as the passengers were preparing to leave.

The effect of this was to cause the launch to list heavily to star-board and to ship a large amount of water with the result that she lost her stability and sank almost im- mediately.

As far as can be ascertained, the launch was carrying not more than eighty passengers (which is some fifty less than the maximum allowed by her licence) and fifty piculs of cargo consisting of Lichees, vegetables and salt fish.

We are of opinion that this amount was not excessive, and that in all probability the disaster would have been averted had it not been for the action of the cargo dealers and their coolies.

Stability.

2. All the technical evidence goes to prove that this launch had exceptionally good stability with a large righting moment thus making her safe but uncomfortable in a seaway owing to quick roll.

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