(No. 485.)
"FLOWER OF YARROW."
FINDING of a Marine Court of Inquiry held at the Police Court in Singapore, on the 4th day of December 1879, by order of His Excellency Major-General Archibald Edward Harboard Anson, R.A., C.M.G., Administrator of the Government of the Straits Settlements, for the purpose of investigating into the loss of the Colonial schooner "FLOWER OF YARROW," official number 20,428, of Singapore, RICHARD SKEAR O'CONNOR, Esq., Senior Magistrate, President, LEWIS KNOX BELL, Esquire, Lieut. R.N., HENRY ELLIS, Esquire, Assessors.
We, the undersigned, having at the request of His Excellency the Administrator of the Straits Settlements held an inquiry into the loss of the schooner "Flower of Yarrow," 111 tons registered, Singapore, official number 20,428, master, Walter Nichol, holding a certificate of competency as master from the Board of Trade, No. 89,344. we found that the above-named vessel left Singapore on the 13th of September bound for Toli Toli, near Cape Rivers, North Coast of Celebes, and that on the evening of the 17th of October the vessel struck on a reef situated in latitude 1° 4' N., longitude 120° 36' east. The following bearings were taken at the time, Samaton Island bearing south-south-west, distance 2 miles; Kangguan Islands S.E. by E. 3/4 E. about 8 miles.
Soon after the vessel struck she filled with water, and as the tide left she heeled over and eventually became a total wreck. The master and crew made every endeavour to get the vessel off, but without success. We are of opinion that the vessel was stranded through misadventure, taking into consideration the dangerous nature of the coast and the uncertain currents, together with the fact that no bottom had been obtained at the last sounding before grounding, and that the land was obscured by mist, and it being calm we can attribute no fault to the master.
We are of opinion that everything was done to save the cargo and other property of the vessel, and that the mate, who has no certificate, did his duty. The master's certificate is returned.
(Signed)
R. S. O'CONNOR, President,
Senior Magistrate.
(Signed)
LEWIS K. RELL,
Lieut R.N.,
Nautical Assessors.
"
HENRY ELLIS,
Master Attendant.
L 367. 255. 70.-2/80. Wt. 47. E. & S.
