NO CYCLONE WARNING?

The following extract from the previous post:

The Grantala, which is a sister ship to the 

Yongala, left Townsville at 4 pm. on Thursday, 

and arrived off Cape Bowling Green about 

7.30 p.m. the same day. As it was then blowing 

very strongly the captain decided to anchor. 

Much has been said about the cyclone warning which was patched through to Flat-Top shortly after Yongala departed at 1.40 pm, 23 March. The above extract suggests that Captain Sim of the Grantala departed Townsville INTO THE CYCLONE at 4 pm, 23 March.  Why was he not warned and why did Grantala not remain in Port??

I am of the firm belief that the system for reporting imminent cyclones along the Queensland coast was deficient. The meteorological bureau at Brisbane had reported the approach of a severe cyclone shortly after Yongala departed Flat-Top which implies that Townsville (almost at the heart of the so-called cyclone) received the same warning. Why did Captain Sim depart under these circumstances as late as 4pm??

I can only think that either the message was not relayed, which is peculiar considering the worst of the 'cyclone' was anticipated off Townsville, or the message was received and Captain Sim made the call to depart Townsville nonetheless. If it were the latter the explanation might revert back to a common thread presented by captains off that part of the coast late 23 March; they did not believe it was a classical cyclone but rather a frontal system moving up the coast. If this were the case, there is enough solid reason for departing Townsville and making a judgment call as the voyage progressed. This call was made off Cape Bowling Green and Captain Sim weighed anchor for the night.

It is strange that this crucial issue did not warrant cross-examination at the Inquiry.

SS Grantala