The Sea Witch - United States District Court (S.D.N.Y.) (Tenney J.) - 22 October 1985

Collision at sea - Whether manufacturer of vessel liable

Shortly after midnight on 2 June 1973 the container vessel Sea Witch owned by American Export Lines Inc. (“AELI”) was proceeding out of New York harbour at full manoeuvering speed when she lost control of her steering (due to a faulty repair on 23 April 1973 by AELI) and veered to starboard, colliding after some four minutes with the tanker Esso Brussels anchored in the federal anchorage off Stapleton. Both vessels burst into flames. Sixteen men, including the masters of both vessels, died and property damage ran into millions.