Page 89 - British Inquiry into Loss of RMS Titanic Day 27 - 31

needed; she was sinking, and she needed boats for everybody. The Commissioner: You do not follow what I mean. If they did all that could be done to get the people into lifeboats - of course, you say they did not, and I understand that argument very well - but if they did then the truth is she had more accommodation than she needed. Mr. Scanlan: I am afraid that the failure to load those boats to their full capacity must be attributed to the ignorance of the officers and crew, and the want of discipline. The Commissioner: I have heard you on that point, and there is a good deal to be said for it. Mr. Scanlan: And if there follows from this Enquiry not only a provision for lifeboats for all on such a ship as this, but for sufficient crew to man them, and sufficient boat drills with a test of efficiency, I am sure that such a thing could not be repeated; I mean that you could not have the amount of ignorance and indiscipline which characterised this catastrophe. That is my submission to your Lordship on this point. I am told that this is the proper time to mention the question of costs. The Commissioner: That is always a very important question, but you need not do more than mention it now. I shall deal with the question of costs when the whole thing finishes, and then I shall deal with all the question of costs together. Mr. Scanlan: Very well, my Lord. The Commissioner: I thank you very much for the help you have given me; it has been valuable. (Adjourned to Monday next at 11 o’clock.)