["Inquiry at Fremantle", The Northern Times (Carnarvon, WA), Saturday 27 April 1912, page 2]
Perth, April 23.
The preliminary inquiry into the circumstances relative to the loss of the Koombana was concluded yesterday in the office of the chief harbourmaster. The report will be forwarded to the Colonial Secretary.
...
Fremantle, April 26.
The Koombana Inquiry was opened yesterday. Mr. Parker, the Crown Prosecutor, conducted the case on behalf of the chief harbourmaster, and Mr. Moss on behalf of the Adelaide S.S Company. Mr Upjohn, captain of the Bullarra, said he spoke to Capt. Allan on the 20th March re the weather, and Allan said "It looks a bit dirty." Nothing was said by witness or Capt. Allan as to whether the ships should leave port or not. When the Koombana was leaving port at 10.30 a.m. Captain Upjohn and the chief officer were watching her and noted that the propellor was well submerged. A fresh wind was blowing. The Bullarra followed the Koombana's course half an hour later, and at 8 p.m. met a heavy gale and rain. Things were getting serious so he continued out to sea. In Capt. Upjohn's opinion the Koombana was smashed up in the cyclone. The press reports that the Koombana's propellor were out of the water were false.
Mr. Stevens, an officer of the Meteorological Department, stated that in the forecast for March 20th and 21st there was nothing to indicate that a cyclone was approaching.
Capt. Arundel, one of Lloyds' surveyors, gave documentary evidence. He stated that it was his opinion that the Koombana was a tender vessel, and when light was perfectly seaworthy.
The public has been invited to give evidence.
