Ship "Otago"


1876 Oct 31	Shipwreck
1876 Dec 04	Shipwreck


AJHR 1877 Section H29 page 25
Return of Wrecks


Date of Casualty	: 31 Oct 1876
Name of Master		: George CALDER
Age of Vessel		: 13 years
Rig			: Schooner
Register Tonnage	: 642
Number of Crew		: 41
Number of Passengers	: 56
Nature of Cargo		: General
Nature of Casualty	: Fouling Bluff Wharf
Number of Lives Lost	: 
Place of Accident	: Bluff Harbour
Wind Direction		: S
Wind Force		: Gentle breeze


Finding of Court of Inquiry
Casualty caused by too much way on vessel, and engines not
going astern quick enough.

AJHR 1877 Section H29 page 25
Return of Wrecks


Date of Casualty	: 04 Dec 1876
Name of Master		: George CALDER
Age of Vessel		: 12 years
Rig			: Schooner
Register Tonnage	: 642
Number of Crew		: 40
Number of Passengers	: 60
Nature of Cargo		: General
Nature of Casualty	: Stranded; total loss
Number of Lives Lost	: 
Place of Accident	: Chasland's Mistake, Otago
Wind Direction		: 
Wind Force		: Light and variable


Finding of Court of Inquiry
The loss of the vessel was occassioned by the default of the
second mate, Thomas Grierson PALMER, in not keeping to the
course ordered by the master, in neglecting to check repeatedly
the steering compass with the standard compass, in neglecting
to call the master, and to take the usual precautions in thick
weather when so near the land; the second mate's certificate,
Board of Trade No. 31561, suspended for two years.