The Daien Maru No 18 - Singapore High Court (Thean J.)

Admiralty action in rem - Whether merging of cause of action with judgment prevents plaintiffs arresting vessel to secure judgment

On 20 March 1984 the defendant owners of the vessel Daien Maru No. 18 commenced an action in Admiralty against the charterers of the vessel, claiming inter alia possession of the vessel. The owners arrested the vessel on the same day. Six days later various members of the crew filed a caveat against release. On 30 March 1984 the crew members commenced the present action against the owners for wages, subsistence and expenses for returning home. The owners entered an unconditional appearance and the crew members on 25 May 1984 obtained summary judgment (under Order 14, rule 3, of the Singapore Rules of the Supreme Court) against the owners.