Wreck Report for 'Leading Star', 1881

(No. 955.)

"LEADING STAR."

REPORT of the Court of Inquiry appointed by His Excellency, the Governor of Natal, consisting of ARTHUR MESHAM, Esq., Resident Magistrate, Durban, and Captain EDWARD BAYNTON, R.N.R., to enquire into the circumstances attending the wreck of the British brig "LEADING STAR," of Falmouth, 249 tons register, official No. 58,124, on the coast near the Umzim Kula River.

The Court, having carefully considered the evidence of August Borcherd, able seaman, and Peter Jansen, ordinary seaman, of the British brig "Leading Star," and the statement made before G. C. Cato, Esq., J.P., and agent to Lloyd's, by Frederick Watson and Johan Wilhelm Legerberg, seamen of the same vessel, on the 25th of November, at the Umzim Kulu River, consider that the loss of this vessel was caused in a great measure by the thick weather which prevailed for some time previous to and at the time of her stranding, and by the strong current, which, running obliquely to her course, tended to drive her nearer to the coast than was anticipated by the master.

The evidence goes to prove him to have been steady and attentive to his duties, and he was evidently aware of the position of his vessel as to her distance from Durban, as orders were given to bend cables preparatory to her arrival in port next day if the wind held.

At noon of the 6th December the ship was hauled in to make the land, and at about 8.30 p.m. the master hauled the ship to the north eastward parallel with the coast, being, no doubt, of opinion that although he had not seen the land it would not be far off, and it is much to be regretted that the report of the boatswain and the barking of dogs on board were not more promptly attended to, as at that time, by either staying or wearing, there was every probability of the ship being saved, but when the orders were given to wear ship it was too late, and she struck the ground with her heel when she had gone round so far as to be heading down the coast, and the heavy sea running threw her broadside on to the rocks.

The mate was seen to go below directly after she struck, and was, no doubt, drowned in the cabin by the heavy seas which broke over the vessel, and the master and cook were, no doubt, washed overboard shortly after.

The boatswain announced his intention to try and get on shore about midnight, and was not seen afterwards; it is therefore probable he was drowned in the attempt.

The remainder of the crew who clung to the wreck of the mainmast got safely on shore at daylight, but could find no traces of the master, cook, or boatswain.

The Court is therefore of opinion the vessel was not lost by default of the master, officers, or crew; but feel that had steps been taken immediately to put her head off the land when the boatswain reported it in sight, and the dogs barked, which should have attracted the attention of men of ordinary intelligence, the catastrophe might have been avoided.

 

(Signed)

ARTHUR MESEAM, Resident Magistrate, Durban, Chairman.

 

(Signed)

ED. BAYNTON, Lieut. R.N.R.

L 367. 725. 70.—3/81. Wt. 47. E. & S.