Holman v. F.T. Everard & Sons Ltd. (The Jack Wharton) - Q.B.D. (Adm.Ct.) (Sheen J.) - 20 June 1986

Chief officer injured on fo’c’sle by heavy seas during anchor-weighing - Whether Master negligent

The plaintiff was the Chief Officer of the motor vessel Jack Wharton , a single-screw cargo vessel of 1597 g.r.t. In the early hours of 4 January 1979 the Master decided to anchor the vessel about three miles from Shoreham. The weather conditions were very bad; the wind being easterly force 7. The port anchor was let go, but the brake failed to operate when applied. The compressor was turned. The Master asked the plaintiff to go forward to check whether the weight of the anchor was on the compressor or the brake. The Master told the plaintiff to heave in the anchor.