koombana days >online resource >chapters & endnotes >chapter 14 >endnote 1

1["The Koombana Disaster", Broome Chronicle (WA), Saturday 13 April 1912]

To the Editor.

Sir,--It seems to me very important that the enquiry into this matter should be held at Port Hedland or Broome, where witnesses are available who were on board the vessel before she put to sea from Hedland, who saw her proceeding to sea with her propeller only half submerged (or, as the case may be), and who can give other evidence very pertinent to the enquiry, and which will not be available, or at any rate which cannot and will not be brought forward by the relatives and friends of the deceased if the enquiry be held at Fremantle or Perth.

The loss of life on the Koombana has been more disastrous to Broome than all the tempests since the place was settled by pearlers, and to Derby no doubt a similar remark will apply. The past disaster should be most fully enquired into on the spot, or as near as may be, in order to ascertain whether there was any negligent seamanship, any risking of lives of passengers (not to mention the crew) in order to save the ship from risk of injury by bumping if she had remained in Hedland harbour, where at any rate the lives would have been safe, or any other useful lesson for the future.

The townspeople of Hedland, Broome and Derby should take steps to ensure the enquiry being held at one of their towns.

Yours &c.,

W. C. H.