The loss of the Ocean Monarch - the statement of Capt.Hunter of the Cambria.

From 'The Illustrated London News', August, 1848

STATEMENT OF CAPT. HUNTER, CAMBRIA.

"Many rumours have been circulating to my prejudice in consequence of my not having returned to the assistance of the ship Ocean Monarch on my passage from Beaumaris to Liverpool, I have to request your kindness in inserting the following facts bearing on the case: - Before leaving the Menai Bridge, I had given all my disposable coals to the steamer Medina, reserving only sufficient to take the Cambria to Liverpool, as can be proved by the engineers of the two vessels.  On Thursday morning I left Beaumaris about half-past nine o’ clock. At half-past eleven we passed the Ocean Monarch, then standing in-shore. Soon after this she tacked and stood to the northward. At half-past twelve my attention was called to smoke rising from the ship, as if she was on fire, when I instantly applied to the engineer to know if he had coals to take us to the ship and back; when he replied that he had not. At this time we were at least ten to twelve miles from the ship. We saw the Affonso much nearer to her, and proceeding towards her, as was also the Prince of Wales, and to these vessels I hoisted a signal that the ship was in distress.  There was also a ship and a yacht within a short distance of the ship, making towards her, and the Orion was abreast of us at the time.  Not knowing that she was an emigrant-ship, I was led to conclude that there was sufficient assistance at hand. Besides, it is right that I should state that I had two hundred passengers on board, and my decks completely crowded with livestock, which would have rendered it difficult at any time to render efficient assistance, but on this occasion much more so, from the sea that was on. Had I proceeded to the vessel, I must necessarily have remained at anchor until a supply of coals could have been procured to enable me to return and, in this position, should it have come on to blow, there can be little doubt that the Cambria would have been placed in great danger.  All these circumstances considered, I still feel that I should not have been justified in running the risk of sacrificing the lives of those passengers who had entrusted themselves to my care. It could be from no disinclination on my part to render assistance when practicable. In support of which may I mention that when the engine of a rival steamer on the line broke down off Orme’s Head, in bad weather, I returned to her assistance and saved her passengers and crew; and I should truly rejoice could I have given assistance in this most melancholy case.

I beg to subscribe myself, sir, Your most obedient servant,

John Hunter
Liverpool, August 26th