FOR OFFICIAL USE
(No. 7857.)
"EUPHROSYNE" (S.Y.).
THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT, 1894.
FINDING AND ORDER OF A NAVAL COURT.
Finding and Order of a Naval Court held at the British
Vice-Consulate, Vila, New Hebrides, on the 13th day of April, 1928,
to investigate the circumstances attending the stranding of His
Majesty's Steam Yacht "Euphrosyne" of the Port of Vila, Official
Number 94437, when anchored at the Port of Vila, and the cause of
such stranding, and to inquire into the conduct of the Master,
Mate, Ohief Engineer and Crew of the said vessel:-
His Majesty's Yacht "Euphrosyne" of the Port of Vila, Official
Number 94437, was a steam vessel, schooner rigged, of 84.55 tons
registered tonnage. It appears from the evidence before this Court
that on the 4th April, 1928, the vessel was lying at the usual
anchorage. During the forenoon it appears from the evidence before
the Court, that the barometer showed no indication of an
approaching storm. At 1 p.m. it appears that a squall came from the
northward, accompanied by a sharp fall in the barometer, and this
was the first indication of bad weather. This squall was followed
by others of increasing force, and the port anchor was let go and
steam ordered to be got up. At this time, about 2.15 p.m.,
according to the Chief Engineer's evidence, there was about 75 lbs.
steam on the boiler. Shortly after this, during a fierce squall,
the vessel started to drag her anchors with the telegraph at "full
speed ahead," but not sufficient steam to have the vessel under
command. Consequently the vessel dragged on to the reef and damaged
her propeller. About 3 p.m. the vessel was held headed north, and
it appears that the wind suddenlyshifted to the west thus parting
both cables. She then canted to the east and came off the reef, but
owing to the strong wind, damaged propeller, insufficient room and
no anchors, she drifted on to the reef off de Bechade's pier, east
from where the ship was originally anchored.
The Court having regard to the circumstances and local
conditions stated above find as follows:-
That no blame can be attached to the Master, Mate, or Chief
Engineer for the stranding of the vessel, and that it appears that
every precaution was taken, under the circumstances, and the
restricted area. The anchorage bearings of the green light on the
north end of Iririki were:- 192°, the lower red Leading Beacon 70°,
Burns Philp shed 120°.
The vessel was successfully refloated on the 8th April,
1928.
The expenses of this Court fixed at six pounds four shillings
(£6-4-0) are approved.
Dated at the British Vice-Consulate, Vila, New Hebrides, this
thirteenth day of April, one thousand nine hundred and
twenty-eight.
GEO. A. JOY,
Vice-Consul for the New Hebrides,
President of Naval Court.
W. COLQUHOUN,
Master, British S.S. "Malake."
K. A TSCHAUN,
Master, British S.S. "Malinoa."
Members.
(Issued by the Board of Trade in London
on Thursday, the 5th day of July, 1928.)
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1928.
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