Gleason v The Ship “Dawn Light” and Anr - Federal Court (Trial Div)(Lutfy J) - 9 May 1997

Dispute as to title of vessel - Plaintiff alleging binding contract of sale to him - Whether plaintiff entitled to specific performance of sale agreement - Whether arrest of vessel should be set aside

The plaintiff claimed to have entered into a binding agreement of purchase of the ship Dawn Light from the second defendant. The second defendant alleged that there was no acceptance of her counter-offer, and that she was therefore free to sell the ship to another party. On 15 August 1996 the second defendant agreed to sell the ship to one Raymond Davis, the intervenor. The second defendant alleged that a bill of sale was executed on 20 August 1996.