THE “SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE” (FORMERLY KNOWN AS “CARIBIA VIVA”)

[1999] 1 Lloyd's Rep. 43

QUEEN’S BENCH DIVISION(ADMIRALTY COURT)

Before Mr. Justice Rix

Admiralty practice - Arrest - Security - French law of arrest - Vessel on demise charter - Repairs to vessel carried out by defendant yard - Charter cancelled for non-payment of hire - Charterers called in receivers - Yard arrested vessel in France - Whether owners liable for debts to yard incurred by charterers - Whether owners required to provide unconditional security for release of vessel.