From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Report from the Marine Motoring Association on the probable cause of a boat disaster, concluding it hit a floating object.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 174\5\ img099 | |
| Date | 14th June 1930 | |
| OLD ENGLAND LAKE HOTEL, WINDERMERE. June 14th 1930. In response to a request from the Press and as representing the Marine Motoring Association, I have obtained the following considered opinion from the technical experts as to the probable causes of disaster. (Signed) Brecknock. Vice President. Marine Motoring Association. We are agreed that the boat, the engines and transmission gear were all in perfect condition over the first two laps and part of the third, when apparently something happened to cause the disaster. From an examination of the boat before it sank there were no signs of any holes in the main hull of the boat. The tailshaft and propeller and rudders appeared to be intact and undamaged The greater portion of the front step on the port side was torn away. The boat floated upside down until disturbed, when air was seen to blow out through the deck openings on the under side. Later the missing portion of the step was recovered which furnished sufficient evidence to indicate the probable cause of disaster namely, that a floating object was hit by the rear portion of the step causing it to be torn off. Subsequently it has been learned that twenty minutes after the disaster a water-logged branch of a tree approximately three inches in diameter by three feet long was picked up 250 yards astern of the boat and as near as could be ascertained in its direct path. This could have caused the damage to the step. There is no evidence pointing to any failure of the hull or machinery. Agreed. (Signed) E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} T. Hives. (Signed) Fred Cooper. (Signed) A.{Mr Adams} J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} Rowledge. (Signed) A.{Mr Adams} Wormald. | ||