The Ilo Q.B.D. (Adm.Ct.) (Sheen J.) - 9 July 1981

Salvage - Vessel grounded in Thames Estuary

This was a claim for salvage services rendered to the vessel Ilo in March 1980 in the Thames Estuary. Ilo , a general cargo vessel of 8,620 grt used as a Peruvian Naval Auxiliary, already had a part cargo of fertilizer on board when she entered the Estuary to load a cargo of munitions at the Chapman Explosive Anchorage. She came to anchor in the afternoon of 19 March 1980 just off the Chapman Sands. Weather conditions were very unpleasant, the wind was easterly, force 7_9 and the waves were 8_10 feet in height. As the ebb current increased in force the Ilo dragged her anchor and eventually grounded overall with a 5&fn;o list to port.