§ MR. MACDONA (Southwark, Rotherhithe)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that news has recently reached Lloyd's of the abandonment in the Atlantic of the new fourmasted ship Bahama, 2,245 tons, 278 feet long, which is reported to have been seen by the Rhyl; and if the Admiralty will make further inquiry into the matter, and report to the Mercantile Marine Authorities of our seaports if it should prove to be a fact?
§ MR. MUNDELLAMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to the Admiralty has asked me to reply to this question. I am informed that the Bahama was abandoned on the 22nd November, because the crew were unable to navigate her. She had been taken in tow by the State of Nebraska, but was let go after two hawsers had parted. The crew were taken off. The vessel was subsequently seen by the Rhyl, as stated in the question. I have ordered a formal inquiry into the circumstances of this abandonment.
§ MR. MACDONAIs it the intention of the Government to send a vessel out to blow up this obstruction?
§ MR. MUNDELLANo, Sir; she is 1,800 miles from our coast, and the report as to her condition when last seen was that she was loaded very lightly, that her decks were dry, and her mizzen-staysail was set.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESDoes the right hon. Gentleman think a vessel of this size can take care of herself under a mizzen-staysail?
§ MR. MUNDELLANo, Sir; but it is not the business of the Board of Trade to send a vessel 2,000 miles to cruise for a ship abandoned last November.
§ MR. MACDONAHas the right hon. Gentleman received any communication from the United States Government on the subject of derelicts and their removal?
§ MR. MUNDELLANo, Sir.