Volume Two - The Era of Optimism, Investment & Development - Coal gas explosions etc . . .

Over the fore hold and about 10 feet from the forward bulkhead were four ventilating bollards, standing alone some 2 feet above the deck, with orifices about 4 inches in diameter, capable of being closed at pleasure with brass screws. There were four similar bollards over the after hold about 10 feet from the after bulkhead. These were the only means which existed, apart from the hatches, of ventilating the holds, and whenever the hatches could not be kept open on account of the weather, it was necessary also to close the bollards.

On leaving port, portions of all three hatches were left open, but about 4 p.m. of the 27th. it became necessary to close and batten them down until immediately previous to the explosion. Between 6 and 7 p.m. of the 28th, the chief engineer went into the screw tunnel to examine the bearings, and on reaching the third bearing he observed a blue flame playing about the lamp which he carried in his hand. He at once came out, leaving the lamp some 2 or 3 feet from the mouth of the tunnel. The captain, who came down, at once called the engineer's attention to this, but the latter replied that there was no danger. The captain then went on deck and ordered the hatches to be removed from the after hatchway. When the two forward hatches were off, the captain ordered the sluice communicating with the well at the further end of the tunnel to be opened, so as to allow the gas that was in the tunnel to escape that way. The carpenter went forward to get the key, and the captain proceeded to take off the two after hatches when the explosion took place, lifting the deck abaft the hatchway and injuring the captain and second mate. Ultimately the damages were repaired and the vessel arrived safely at Malta, where it was found, on examination, that there had been a slight explosion of gas in the tunnel, and a much more serious one in the 'tween decks abaft the after hatchway.

The Court considered that the explosion was due to the gas in the after hold having been allowed to accumulate until it had filled the hold, thence passed into the screw tunnel, and come in contact with the light incautiously left there by the chief engineer. They blamed the master for having proceeded to sea without seeing that the vessel was provided with adequate means of ventilation, and considered that the owners were not justified in having neglected to provide better means of ventilation. Assessors: H. D. Grant, R. N.; H. .Jones."