On October 28th and 29th, 1897, the British Naval Court convened a trial at the British Consulate in Baltimore, MD, which tried the facts of the shipwrecks and actions of the Master and First Mate, Morris Jones.  

The court heard testimony and examined the ship's log.  It was determined that a strong current set the Hesperides West of her course and into a position to strand upon the shoal.  

They also cited that the calm weather and fog did not allow the crew to notice the crossing of the Gulf Stream edge or the approach to the shoals as they steamed closer to shore.  

In the end, the trial board determined that both the Captain and the First Mate (who was on watch at the time of the stranding) had conducted themselves properly.  

Both Mariners were returned their Naval Certificates at the conclusion of the investigation and returned to duty.