Wreck report for 'Canadian Planter', 1926

FOR OFFICIAL USE.

(No. 7840.)

"CANADIAN PLANTER" (S.S.).

CANADA SHIPPING ACTS, 1906-08.

In the matter of a Formal Investigation held in the Wreck Commissioner's Court, Montreal, P.Q., on the 9th July, 1926, into the circumstances attending the grounding of the s.s. " Canadian Planter," on June 24th, 1926, at 10.20 a.m., about 2¼ miles east of Matane Buoy, River St. Lawrence.

REPORT.

The "Canadian Planter" is a steel built, single screw steamer of 3,333 tons net, 5,399 tons gross, carrying a crew of 42, including 3 deck officers and 3 engineers, of a speed of 10 knots, drawing, on arrival at Quebec, 22 feet 1 inch aft and 20 feet 7 inches forward, being practically her draft at the time of grounding, which was whilst she was en route from Vancouver to Montreal fully loaded. Her compasses were nearly correct. She was supplied with all necessary instruments needed for navigational purposes.

The evidence, as well as the log, shows that at 7.08 a.m. of the 24th June she was off Cape Chat, distance three-quarters of a mile, the weather being then clear; at 8.14 Les Mechines was abeam, distance 1 mile; at 9.30 there were heavy rain showers, never-theless objects were visible at a good distance. The ship's course had been S. 84° W.; when off Roix Shoals the course was steered for Matane Lighthouse, S. 80° W. There is a buoy at some distance from the said Lighthouse, but it was evidently disregarded. The ship touched, a hard-to-port helm was ordered, the ship responding promptly and touched again in the swinging movement. The engines were not stopped and the ship kept on her speed. Soundings were taken and it was found that the air pipe of No. 4 tank indicated that water had entered and was entering that tank.

The evidence of the master, corroborated by the third officer, was deemed sufficient for the purpose of the investigation. Therefore no other witnesses were called. The following was revealed. That for the purpose of gaining ground by availing himself of the Hood tide which was then flowing an inshore course was taken, precautionary measures being forgotten. The master, C. C. Dixon, had come up the St. Lawrence on many instances and was familiar with conditions usually prevailing.

Notwithstanding the repeated warnings and caution from headquarters to keep water under the ship's bottom, and that time was not questioned providing the ship reached her destination unscathed or uninjured, the master chose to bring his ship on a course absolutely unwarranted. In fact, the Court is of opinion that from Cape Chat the ship was following a course which is generally termed " close sailing." Such close sailing under the circumstances was not permissible or necessary. There was nothing to be gained by it, and besides it was bringing the ship in close proximity to the land and inside of the line of soundings which is traced on all charts and should serve as a warning of possible hidden dangers.

The Court cannot imagine why the buoy off Matane was not considered in the first place. It cannot comprehend why the ship was headed directly for the Lighthouse. The only reason given is that of supposed advantages to be obtained from the flood tide.

In view of the above the Court renders the following judgment.

FINDING.

The Court, having carefully reviewed and weighed the evidence adduced, cannot come to any other conclusion than that the master, C. C. Dixon, Board of Trade Certificate No. 030007, did show some degree of indifference in the navigation of his ship, as he does not offer a plausible excuse for navigating within the line of soundings and trying to head on to a point of land which is well defined and on the outside of which a buoy has been placed and was in position showing and indicating the prohibited area.

It is evident that the existence of the buoy was forgotten for the time being, as it is pointed out by evidence that the bearing of it was taken only after the ship had grounded.

This is another instance of what the Court will not call carelessness, but indifference on the part of a ship master, weather conditions being such as to permit proper observations, which goes to attack or throw a stigma on the navigation of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Land was visible, the Lighthouse was visible, and the buoy was also visible if it had been looked for.

The Court realises there is no motive, no excuse offered by the master for this forgetfulness or apparent indifference on his part. While finding him in default the Court will, in view of his past career and good service, deal leniently with him and only suspend his Board of Trade Certificate, No. 030007, for a period of one month from the 9th July, 1926, with a caution that in the future, in the event of the Court having to inquire into a similar case, the severity of the sentence will be much greater.

The third officer, C. A. Brown, Certificate No. 10609, is exonerated, the master having been on the bridge throughout and attending to the navigation.

Read in Open Court at Montreal this 9th day of July, 1926.

L. A. DEMIERS,

Dominin Wreck Commissioner.

Concurred in by

(Issued by the Board of Trade in London

on Thursday, the 30th day of September, 1926.)

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