Corfu Navigation Co. v. Mobil Shipping Co. Ltd. (The Alpha) - Q.B.D. (Com.Ct.) (Hobhouse J.) - 14 July 1991

General average - Whether ship entitled to general average contribution where damage caused by unskilful and unreasonable conduct of master

In August 1984 the Vessel Alpha sailed from Abidjan bound for Ango Ango, a port in Zaire about 70 miles up the Zaire river. While she was waiting for a pilot to take her up river she went aground on the Mona Mazea Bank. While the ship’s engines were being used for refloating, the seawater cooling system became clogged and the engines and lubricating oil overheated. The bearings and other parts of the engines were destroyed. The vessel was carried three or four miles by the current before she was fully afloat. She proceeded to Banana for repairs. The cargo was trans-shipped and on-carried to its destination.