The United States of America v Shochat and Ors (The "Altuvia") - Supreme Court of Israel (Naor, Hayut and Amit JJ) - 3 August 2010

(2011) 817 LMLN 3

Sovereign immunity - US Fleet engaging transport vessel to carry crew members of anchored aircraft carrier back to carrier - Transport vessel sinking and causing deaths and personal injuries - Wrongful death and personal injury claims made against owners of transport vessel - Owners making third party claim against United States - Whether United States entitled to rely on defence of sovereign immunity

On 21 December 1990 the vessel Altuvia was transporting crew members of the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Saratoga from the dock at Haifa Port back to the Saratoga at anchor. Before reaching the Saratoga the Altuvia sank in Israeli territorial waters. Twenty crewmen were drowned and others were injured.