THE "FIDELITIE" AND THE "NORTHAMPTON."

(1945) 79 Ll L Rep 492

ADMIRALTY DIVISION.

Before Mr. Justice Pilcher, sitting with Captain W. R. Chaplin and Captain C. St. G. Glasson, Elder Brethren of Trinity House.

Negligent navigation-Damage to houseboats moored in Molesey Cut, River Thames- Claim by owners of houseboats against owners of motor barge Fidelitie (first defendants), against owners of barge Northampton (second defendants) and against owners of tug Richmond - Northampton (in tow of Fidelitie) bound down river - Richmond, astern of Northampton, also bound down river- Sheer to starboard by Northampton, resulting in her smelling the ground, sheering to port and colliding with and damaging plaintiffs' houseboats-Res ipso loquitur-Plea by first and second defendants that sheer was due to Richmond overhauling Northampton too closely on her starboard side-Admission of liability by Richmond - Whether Fidelitie employed too long a tow rope-Speed- Duty of lighterman on entering Cut to pay particular attention to his steering.