Report of Court.

The Court having carefully inquired into the circumstances attending the above-mentioned shipping casualty, finds for the reasons stated in the Annex hereto, that the loss of the " Hellopes," whilst on a voyage to Falmouth to be broken up, was brought about by a list which the vessel first took when off the Smalls on the 20th December last, and which gradually increased until it had, at the time the vessel passed the Longships, about 8 a.m. on the 21st December, developed to such a dangerous extent that the vessel was headed for Mount's Bay, and was there abandoned by her crew, when nearly on her beam ends. The vessel very shortly afterwards heeled right over and foundered.

The list was first caused by a shifting of the cargo of coal when the vessel was off the Smalls during a freshening westerly gale with a high beam sea, and it gradually increased and caused the foundering because of the vessel making water in her holds, combined with a further shifting of the coal.

The evidence before the Court was insufficient to definitely determine at what part of the hull the water entered, but the Court is inclined to believe that the water may have entered through an insecurely fastened or damaged portlight on the port side of the 'tween decks.

The Court does not consider that the master or any other officer of the ship has shown any default or want of reasonable care in the navigation of the ship.