THE "CARRICK COAST."

(1947) 81 Ll.L.Rep. 447

ADMIRALTY DIVISION.

Before Mr. Justice Willmer, sitting with Captain W. R. Chaplin and Captain W. E. Crumplin, Elder Brethren of Trinity House.

Negligent navigation - Inevitable accident - Sudden peril-Alternative courses of action to avoid peril-Reasonableness of action taken - Chain of causation - Whether broken-Plaintiff's motor launch Souvenir and defendants' motor vessel Carrick Coast moored in Poole Harbour- Souvenir heading up river-Carrick Coast heading down river - Carrick Coast up river of Souvenir-Ebb tide-Outbreak of fire on quay close to stern of Carrick Coast -Serious risk to Carrick Coast-Fore and aft moorings cast off and engines put ahead-Collision with Souvenir-Plea by Carrick Coast that collision was due to inevitable accident and that it could not have been avoided by the exercise of reasonable care and skill on her part- Evidence of alternative courses of action open to Carrick Coast to avoid peril- Whether action taken was reasonable and such as not to break the chain of causation.