British Wreck Commissioner's Inquiry

Day 26

Testimony of Eber Sharpe

Examined by Mr. BUTLER ASPINALL.

24533. (Mr. Butler Aspinall.) This is the gentleman who finally cleared the ship at Queenstown before she left for the west. (To the witness.) Are you Board of Trade surveyor stationed at Queenstown?
- Yes.

24534. Did you occupy the position of Emigration Officer?
- Yes.

24535. And was it your business to give a certificate of clearance to the "Titanic" before she left the United Kingdom for the United States?
- Yes.

24536. And did you do so?
- I did.

24537. And when she left was the ship, in your opinion, seaworthy, in safe trim and in all respects fit for her intended voyage?
- Yes.

24538. One other matter. I think his Lordship asked about this. Did you, before you gave your certificate of clearance, ascertain the exact number of passengers, divided into first and second and third class, and crew on board?
- I took the passengers in two classes, cabin and steerage, and the crew.

24539. (The Commissioner.) In cabin you include first and second class?
- Yes.

Mr. Butler Aspinall:
The figures appear here, but I have added them up, and I can give my Lord a summary of them without going into the details. First and second cabin passengers, 606, third class emigrant, 710, Making a total of 1,316; crew, 892, Making a total, inclusive of all on board, 2,208. I think I have done it rightly.

24540. (The Commissioner - To the witness.) Now you have it in your head, or you ought to have it in your head. Is it right?
- The crew should be 891. There was one fireman deserted at Queenstown and went away on another ship.

24541. It was a very lucky thing for him?
- Yes, My Lord.

24542. (Mr. Butler Aspinall.) Then it works out at a total of 2,207?
- Yes, 2,207.

The Commissioner:
Do you want to ask this gentleman any question?

Mr. Scanlan:
No, My Lord.

Mr. Edwards:
No, My Lord.

24543. (Mr. Butler Aspinall.) There is one matter I might be allowed to ask him (To the witness.) Does this figure of 891 for the crew include the eight bandsmen or not?
- Yes.

The Commissioner:
What is the significance of that?

Mr. Butler Aspinall:
I do not know.

The Commissioner:
Is that why you asked it?

(The witness withdrew.)