Page 8 - British Inquiry into Loss of RMS Titanic Day 1 - 5

Statement of the Case is “The above-named ship left Queenstown for New York on or about the 11th day of April, 1912, with a crew of about 892 hands all told, and about 1,316 passengers. On the night of Sunday the 14th day of April, 1912, the vessel struck ice in or near latitude 41° 46’ N., longitude 50° 14’ W., North Atlantic Ocean, and at about 2 a m on the following day foundered in about the same locality, and loss of life thereby ensued or occurred.” That is the formal document containing the Order and Statement of the Case. Then, my Lord, the only other matter I think to which I need refer is the Questions; and it might be convenient for me just to indicate what these Questions are: I think you will find it will facilitate the Inquiry. The Questions 1 to 8 inclusive relate to what happened before the casualty and before there is any question or suggestion of a warning that the “Titanic” was approaching ice. Questions 9 to 14 relate to the suggestion of warning given to the “Titanic,” and ask what was done with regard to look-out or other precautions before the casualty; that is to say, it is suggested by those Questions that those responsible for the navigation of the “Titanic” were warned that they were approaching ice; and then the Questions are put in order to ascertain what was done, and the Court may answer what it finds as a fact was done by those responsible for the “Titanic” after they received such warning, if they did receive it. Then, my Lord, Question 15 is a Question relating to the casualty itself. Questions 16 to 24 relate to the events after the casualty, as to what steps were taken either to save the vessel or to save life. Then there is a general Question, 25, which relates to the construction and equipment of the “Titanic” as a passenger steamer and emigrant ship for the Atlantic service; and Question 26, which relates to the Rules and Regulations under the Merchant Shipping Acts and the administration of those Acts and the Rules and Regulations, invites such recommendations or suggestions as the Court may think fit to make with a view to promoting the safety of vessels and persons at sea. Now, my Lord, if you will look at the Questions to which I have just referred - The President: Have I a copy of them? The Attorney-General: I thought your Lordship had a copy of them. The Questions were handed in and are as follows - “S. S. ‘TITANIC” - QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED 1. When the “Titanic” left Queenstown on or about 11th April last: - (a.) What was the total number of persons employed in any capacity on board her, and what were their respective ratings? (b.) What was the total number of her passengers, distinguishing sexes and classes, and discriminating between adults and children? 2. Before leaving Queenstown on or about 11th April last did the “Titanic” comply with the requirements of the Merchant Shipping Acts, 1894-1906, and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder with regard to the safety and otherwise of passenger steamers and emigrant ships. 3. In the actual design and construction of the “Titanic” what special provisions were made for the safety of the vessel and the lives of those on board in the event of collisions and other casualties? 4. Was the “Titanic” sufficiently and efficiently officered and manned? Were the watches of the officers usual and proper? Was the Titanic supplied with proper charts? 5. What was the number of boats of any kind on board the “Titanic”? Were the arrangements for manning and launching the boats on board the “Titanic” in case of emergency proper and