LORD MUSKERRYMy Lords, I beg to ask His Majesty's Government what were the circumstances attending the stranding of the steamer "Isle of Lewis," which drove ashore near Plymouth in October last; whether she was in ballast, and became unmanageable; and whether any formal investigation into the cause of the serious damage to this steamer has been held. Also, whether, in regard to the court of inquiry which investigated the circumstances attending the stranding of the steamer "Drumbain" in October last, any opinion was expressed by the court 1470 as to this disaster being caused by this vessel being light and in improper trim.
LORD WOLVERTONMy Lords, the noble Lord has raised two cases—the case of the "Isle of Lewis" and that of the "Drumbain." In the case of the "Isle of Lewis," the vessel took shelter in Plymouth in what may be described as a "whole gale" and was brought to an anchor. The master, however, found that the berth was likely to be a foul one owing to the proximity of another large steamer, and he hove up his anchors and navigated the vessel to what ho considered a safer berth. In letting go the anchors a second time, a terrific squall struck the vessel and turned her broadside on to wind and sea, with the result that she dragged her anchors and finally went on the rocks. No lives were lost. A preliminary inquiry was held, but no formal investigation, as the severity of the weather accounted for the vessel dragging her anchors. With regard to the "Drumbain," the court of inquiry stated their opinion that the vessel being light, and five feet by the stern, the sea and wind prevented her making good her course. This goes to show that, in setting the course, allowance should have been made for the drift caused by wind and sea; and, as such allowance was not made, the vessel did not make good her course. No lives were lost.
§ House adjourned at twenty minutes past Five o'clock, to Thursday next, half-past Ten o'clock.