STRANDING OF THE INDRBARAH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3981, 11 July 1913, Page 5

STRANDING OF THE INDRBARAH.

INQUIRY OPENED YESTERDAY. [PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM] WELLINGTON, July 10. Mr. McArthur, S.M., to-day opened an inquiry into the stranding of the Indrabarah. J „ ~ Capt. Hollingsworth, master of the vessel, gave evidence that he sighted Wanganui lights at 7.45 on May 9. He altered his course _ and made to sea, as it was impossible to anchor. He intended to turn round and return to Wanganui by daylight. He decided to steam about five hours, and gave instructions for a bright look-out for lights, which he expected to pick up about 4.30 to 5 o’clock. He was on deck when the boat stranded at 4.37 a.m. There was nothing to indicate where they were. He considered that he made sufficient allowance for the course lie set with ebbing tide and wind. He did not take soundings. In reply to Mr. Macassey, who represented the Marine Department, witness said it might have been more prudent to have done so.. There was nothing at the time to indicate any current or set to the east. He had since made a study of the local currents, finding that they set with the wind, a very surprising thing. He accounted for coming ashore at Rangitikei when he expected to make Wanganui lights by the current. It was not marked on the chart, and was not mentioned in the “N. Z. Pilot.” The inquiry was adjourned.