THE "HENRY STANLEY."

(1945) 79 Ll L Rep 579

ADMIRALTY DIVISION.

Before Mr. Justice Willmer, sitting with Captain W. E. Crumplin, and Captain G. C. H. Noakes, Elder Brethren of Trinity House.

Collision-Convoy-Failure to keep station- Breakdown of steering gear creating risk of collision-Prima facie negligence-Onus of proof - Respective duties after risk of collision arose - Collision between motor vessels Maja and Henry Stanley in west-bound convoy in Atlantic Ocean - Henry Stanley originally immediately ahead of Maja in same column - Evidence that Maja, having previously by reason of increasing her speed drawn up too close to the Henry Stanley, had drawn out to starboard- Duty of Maja in the circumstances to keep a specially good look-out-Breakdown of steering gear of Henry Stanley-Swing to starboard-Nature of swing-"Not under command" signal exhibited-Breakdown of steering gear due to blowing out of packing of piston-No explanation given by Henry Stanley as to cause of packing blowing out-Evidence of routine inspections ashore and at sea.