§ 4. Mr. DAYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give full particulars of the collision which happened on 30th March in the harbour at Devonport between a naval pinnace from the Royal Naval Barracks at Keyham and a steam ferry boat, in which the pinnace sank?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)Harbour Launch Number 27 left the pontoon at Torpoint on the evening of the 30th of March, proceeded down the river until clear of obstructions, then altered course to port and steadied on a course for the dock at the entrance to Barrack Creek. The ferry was meanwhile crossing from Devonport to Torpoint. The prow of the ferry struck the launch abreast of the funnel. The ferry after going astern went ahead again and enabled most, of the men on the launch to get on board the ferry. Efforts were made to secure the launch to the ferry but without success and the launch sank after a few minutes. There was no loss of life. thanks to the prompt measures taken and assistance rendered by the coxswain and a, warrant officer to a man who was is difficulties in the water.