THE "GLAUCUS" AND THE "CITY OF FLORENCE."

(1947) 81 Ll.L.Rep. 131

ADMIRALTY DIVISION.

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

Collision-Convoy-Fog-Alteration of course - "Mersigs" - Signals - Look-out - Negligence of master of ship acting as commodore-Liability of shipowners-Collision in fog between motor vessel Macuba and steamship Glaucus while in convoy off Malta-Master of Glaucus acting as commodore of convoy consisting of six vessels in three columns, with Macuba at head of port column, with Glaucus at head of centre column, and with City of Florence at head of starboard column-Decision by commodore that convoy should alter course 20 deg. to starboard to avoid reef- Turning signal sounded and repeated by Glaucus but not acknowledged by City of Florence - Starboarding by Glaucus after sounding executive signal - Starboarding by Macuba after hearing executive signal of Glaucus - City of Florence sighted on starboard beam - Porting and hard-a-porting by Glaucus- Macuba then sighted by Glaucus on port beam - Impact between port bow of Glaucus and starboard quarter of Macuba -Action brought by Macuba against Glaucus-Counterclaim by Glaucus against Macuba and City of Florence - Further claim by Macuba against City of Florence - Whether negligence alleged against master of Glaucus referable to him as commodore - Subsequent negligence of Glaucus - Whether City of Florence negligent in failing to hear turning signal and executive signal.