["Loss of Koombana", The Northern Times (Carnarvon, WA), Saturday 25 May 1912, page 5]

PORT HEDLAND EDITOR

ON THE BOARD'S FINDING.

CAPT. ALLAN UNEASY.

Perth, May 20.

It is reported that Mr. W. H. Barker, proprietor of the "Hedland Advocate," has stated that he has just read the finding of the Koombana Inquiry Board, and says that the steamer was drawing 19 feet aft is not in accordance with what the harbormaster told him. The harbormaster made and assertion that the Koombana was drawing 11 feet forward and 16 feet aft. As to the statement that there was no particular evidence regarding bad weather, Mr. Barker says for hours before the Koombana sailed from Port Hedland people were battening down preparing for a gale, and forty luggers had run into the creek from outside for shelter. Furthermore, Capt. Allan told him he did not know whether to go out or not, as he did not like the glass. He was palpably uneasy and disinclined to go. He remarked: "The passengers think they will get to Broome tomorrow (Thursday), but they will be lucky if they get there by Saturday. I am going right out to sea. Mr. Barker said the Koombana rolled through the harbor entrance and had an ugly list to port. Mr. Barker was not called upon to give evidence at the inquiry.