Amy - a general history

Shields Daily Gazette, October 9th, 1868:
CLOSE OF THE INQUIRY ON THE LOSS OF THE STEAMSHIP AMY. The inquiry into the loss of the steamship Amy, of Hartlepool, was resumed yesterday, at the Borough Buildings Court Boom, before S. Robinson and J. R. H. Johnstone, Esqs. divisional county magistrates, assessors on behalf the Board of Trade. Captains Baker and Height, being again in attendance; as also was Mr. O'Dowd, who watched the proceedings for the Board, and J. T. Belk, of Middlesbrough, on behalf of Capt. Bowden, the commander of the Amy. Her owners, Messrs Appleby and Ropner, were, as on the first day, unrepresented by any legal adviser. The court met privately at eleven o’clock to consider the written statement put by the captain, which was not read in open court.

At 12.30 their worships and the assessors entered the court, when Mr. Belk, the Town Clerk, read their decision. They were of opinion that the course steered was safe and judicious, and that the master was justified in relying on the correctness of the compasses, seeing that so recently the vessel was swung for their adjustment, and inasmuch as that thev had not proved to be incorrect during the navigation of those seas; the deviation cards being simple and legibly made out, thus rendering any mistake in giving the course of the vessel by compass improbable. They were also of the opinion that every precaution was taken.
Taking all the circumstances in consideration, the court, with the entire concurrence of the nautical assessors, decided to return to Captain Bowden his certificate, trusting that this disaster would convince all commanders navigating these dangerous seas how neccessary it is in all fogs to make use of every precaution available in their power, — Mr O‘Dowd thanked the court for the patience, care, and evident desire to do justice which had characterised their proceedings throughout this important inquiry.—The court shortly afterwards adjourned. 

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