REPORT of a Court of Inquiry held at Calcutta into the circumstances attending the stranding of the British s.s. "CONGELLA," on an uncharted shoal off the coast of Natal, on the 11th March last.

We are of opinion that this custom or practice is not prudent or advisable under the present existing survey of this coast, and that Captain Keen committed an error of judgment in navigating his vessel so near to the shore. We consider, however, that although Captain Keen was in error in navigating so close to the coast, he appeared in all other respects to have taken all customary precautions while navigating personally in the locality, and to have navigated his vessel in a seamanlike manner. We are not of opinion that there is any evidence upon which a charge could be framed. Under the circumstances, we think the justice of the case will be met if Captain Keen be reprimanded.