§ SIR JOHN LENG () DundeeI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the steamer "Thistle," which sunk at Haulbowline Island on Monday morning, has been raised, and, if not, by whom the salvage operations are being conducted; and whether Admiralty plant is being employed.
§ *THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. PRETYMAN,) Suffolk, WoodbridgeShe has not yet been raised. The salvage operations are being conducted by the Admiralty.
§ CAPTAIN DONELAN () Cork County, E.I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the cause which led to the sudden sinking of the Admiralty steam launch "Thistle" in/ Queenstown Harbour on Monday last has been ascertained; and whether periodical examinations are made of this class of vessel, and reports furnished as to their condition.
§ *MR. PRETYMANThe sinking of the Admiralty launch "Thistle" in Queenstown Harbour on Monday was not due to any defect, but to the fact that two scuppers were left open, and when the men left the vessel she heeled over and brought the open scupper below the water line.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANDid the vessel carry an unusual number of passengers across?
§ *MR. PRETYMANIt has nothing to do with the overloading of the vessel. The scuppers, being close to the water line, ought not to have been left open. The men all left her on the starboard side and thus caused her to heel over and the water poured in.
§ SIR JOHN LENGIf outside assistance is required will British Salvage 1214 Companies have an opportunity of undertaking the work?
§ *MR. PRETYMANYes, Sir; communications have already been sent inquiring if outside assistance is necessary.