Lloyd's Maritime Law Newsletter
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.