THE "OPALIA."

(1945) 79 Ll.L.Rep. 155

ADMIRALTY DIVISION.

Before Mr. Justice Pilcher, sitting with Captain W. R. Chaplin, Elder Brother of Trinity House.

Collision-Convoy-Fog-Reduction of way- Duty to maintain heading-Collision between steamship St. Abb's Head and motor vessel Opalia in approaches to Pentland Firth-St. Abb's Head in port column of two-column convoy on N.N.W. course-Opalia some way astern-Porting by St. Abb's Head and reduction of speed upon entering dense fog, vessel eventually lying stopped on a heading opposite to convoy course-Appropriate whistle signals sounded - Reduction of speed by Opalia when she entered fog - Engines stopped on hearing "lying stopped" signal fine on starboard bow - St. Abb's Head and Opalia sighted by each other close to, St. Abb's Head heading across bows of Opalia from starboard to port- Impact between stem of Opalia and port bow of St. Abb's Head-Heading of St. Abb's Head at time of collision-Action brought by St. Abb's Head against Opalia -No counterclaim-Onus of proof.