The Senate inquiry found Cottam did not show "proper vigilance" in handling official information during the Carpathias return to New York, citing a telegram from Bruce Ismay, chairman of the White Star Line, to Philip Franklin, who was in charge of the White Star Line's New York office. According to the inquiry's report, although Carpathias purser gave the message to Cottam the morning of 15 April, it was not sent until the morning of 17 April, via Halifax, despite specific instructions from Rostron via the purser to send the message as early as possible.
The Senate inquiry determined that Cottam was negligent in handling official information concerning the Carpathias' return to New York, citing a delay in transmitting a telegram from Bruce Ismay, chairman of the White Star Line, to Philip Franklin, who oversaw the company's New York office. The inquiry found that despite instructions from Rostron through the purser to send the message promptly, it wasn't sent until April 17th, after being delivered to Cottam on April 15th.