Witness statements and transcripts from marine court of enquiry
Date1940
Object numberANMS1128[002]
NameStatements
MediumPaper, ink, pencil
DimensionsOverall: 335 x 210 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Margaret Royds
DescriptionWitness statements, transcripts of interviews and court findings presented in a marine court of enquiry of which Basil Helm was a member, examining the grounding of the SS ADMIRAL DAY on 18 September 1940 on Canton Island.
'The President and members of the court unanimously agree that the stranding of the SS ADMIRAL DAY was solely caused through carelessness and negligent navigation on behalf of the Master, inasmuch as Canton Island Light was sighted on a clear night of good visibility and in fine wether and there was ample time and unlimited sea room to avoid contact with the island or surrounding danger..'.
HistoryCanton Island, also known as 'Kanton' or 'Abariringa' Island, is part of the Phoenix Island group and now also part of a larger Phoenix Island Protected Area region.
Originally an uninhabited island, Canton came under duel American and British jurisdiction in 1939. The island's location, lagoons and relative flatness made it an ideal site for landing planes during the war and later, Pan Am clipper ships. A runway, maintenance and refuelling facilities were built in addition to a small town and accommodation for the residents which at its peak numbered around 2000.
Once the need to stop and refuel ended, so too did the town.The population now on the island is around 40 people.
SignificanceThese notes are part of the Basil Helm collection which has considerable significance in the commercial area of Australian maritime history. Along with the Burns Philp shipping company, the Helm's collection contains a superb record of the celebrated Queensland Coast and Torres Strait Pilot Service. This important organisation was closely connected to Burns Philp, from which several of its pilots, including Helm, came.
