The following is the finding and order of Naval Courtheld at Amoy on the Ist day of June to investigate the circumstances attending the stranding of the British steamship Cheang Hock Kian, of the port of Penang, official number 16,840, when ona voyage from Amoy to Singapore, and the cause of such stranding, and to enquire into the conduct of the master, certificated first mate, second mate, and' crew of the said vessel The Chemg Hock Kian left Amoy harbour at 6.30p.m.on the 28th of May at low water, and shortly afterwards struck on an unknown rock near Cocker Rock.
Before, during, and after the accident the master behaved in a seamanlike manner, and the officers and crew did their duty.
The Court considers that 1.—This case shows it is desirable there should be a more complete survey of the approaches to the harbour.
2.—At low water it is expedient that vessels entering and leaving Amoy should take the Easter or Brown Channel.
3.—No master of a vessel over 15 feet draught, except an experienced coaster, should enter or clear from the port with out a pilot.
The Court returns the certificates of the master and mates.
The Court begs to express its appreciation of the quick and effective manner in which the I. M. Customs officers, pilots, and Captain Bathurst, of the steamer Haimun, procealed w the spot and rendered assistamee.
Cus. 'T, Garver, President, H.B.M.'s Consul.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.