'REFUSED TO ANSWER HER HELM'.

 "Owing to the heavy seas, the gale, and the 

strong currents, together with the fact 

that the vessel was flying very light, the 

Cromarty refused to answer her helm, and 

became practically unmanageable. The 

steamer was only drawing 6ft. forward and 12ft. 

aft, and could not be controlled in heavy weather.

During the whole time she was pounding heavily, 

and at intervals of every few minutes her engines 

raced."

It does not take very much imagination to substitute Cromarty with Koombana, northeast of Bedout Island, March, 1912.

Outcome:

 Koombana broaching, falling into a trough and capsizing.

courtesy Trove.