MIOM 1 LTD V SEA ECHO ENE

[2010] EWHC 3180 (Admlty), Queen's Bench Division, Admiralty Court, Mr Justice Teare, Sitting with Captain Richard Woodman, Elder Brother of Trinity House, as Assessor, 8 December 2010

Collision - Apportionment of liability

On 3 February 2007, Sea Express 1, a high speed twin hull catamaran passenger and vehicle ferry, collided with Alaska Rainbow, a conventional geared bulk carrier, in the River Mersey off the Liverpool Landing Stage. Sea Express 1 was almost at the end of its regular crossing from Douglas in the Isle of Man to Liverpool and was carrying 274 passengers, 58 vehicles and 20 crew. Alaska Rainbow was laden with a part cargo of steel products and had been seeking to stem the tide whilst waiting to enter Albert Lock assisted by two tugs. The collision occurred in dense fog. The bulbous bow of Alaska Rainbow struck the starboard quarter of Sea Express 1 causing her damage below the waterline. Her starboard machinery and propulsion spaces were flooded and she had to be towed to the Liverpool Landing Stage. Alaska Rainbow suffered only superficial damage and proceeded out of the Mersey to her anchorage.