Captain Consett's Report
Extract from the Report of Captain Cyrus P. Consett, commanding
U.S.S. _Yosemite_.
"U.S.S. _Yosemite_,
"Serial No. K445. Off Honolulu,
"21st March, 1921.
"To REAR-ADMIRAL JOSIAH N. FELIX,
"Commanding Third Pacific Squadron, U.S.N.
"Sir,
"I have the honour to report that in execution of previous orders
I have carefully examined the area bounded by the 20th and 40th
parallels and between 180° longitude and 160° W. longitude, paying
particular attention to the uninhabited islands comprising the
Ocean Group.
"II. Throughout these operations no trace has been found of the
_Alvarado_, _Kittiwake_, and _Donibristle_.
"III. I have been constantly in touch by means of wireless with the
British and Japanese warships engaged in searching for the missing
ships. H.B.M.S. _Adventurer_ has now received orders to return to
Hong Kong, and H.I.J.M.S. _Kanazawa_ has been recalled to Nagasaki.
In no case have these vessels reported any signs of the
above-mentioned missing ships.
* * * * * * * * * *
"VII. At midnight on the night of the 14th--15th March, visibility
being fair, wind Force 1 and sea smooth, a breaking sea was heard
ahead. Knowing that I was in the vicinity of an island marked
position uncertain on U.S. and British charts (Lat. 31° 10' 12" N.,
Long. 171° 30' 10" W.) the speed of the ship was reduced to five
knots. At 12.15 a.m: course was altered eight points to port.
Frequent casts gave a depth of from 49 to 30 fathoms. At 12.30 a.m. I
ordered a searchlight to bear upon the island, continuing the
inspection at intervals until 2.15 a.m. Deeming it prudent not to
close the island during the hours of darkness I steered north by west
until dawn.
"VIII. When sufficiently light I again approached the island, which
is about three miles long on each of its four sides and forms a
plateau fronted by cliffs averaging 200 feet in height. There is a
considerable indentation on the western side, but no harbour. The
closest examination by means of glasses failed to reveal any means of
gaining the summit of the island, which is recognizable by a conical
hill towards the center and a conspicuous group of palms on the
south-eastern extremity. The island is surrounded by a continuous
reef, over which the surf was breaking heavily.
"IX. In the circumstances I deemed it prudent not to send a boat
ashore, as landing would be extremely hazardous if not impracticable.
At intervals sound signals were made in the hope of attracting the
attention of possible castaways, but there was no sign of life upon
the island.
"X. At noon I caused independent observation to be made, determining
the position of the island as follows: Lat N. 31° 10' 5"; Long. W.
171° 30' 15".
"XI. While regretting that the search has proved to be unsuccessful I
wish to call your attention to the indefatigable zeal of the officers
and men under my command, with a request that the Navy Board be
informed of my recommendations set forth in paragraph V.
"I have the honor to be,
"Sir,
"Your obedient Servant,
"CYRUS P. CONSETT,
"Captain, U.S.N."