THE "DREAM STAR"

[2017] SGHC 220, Singapore High Court, Belinda Ang Saw Ean J, 12 September 2017

Collision - Two vessels in narrow collision port to starboard - Whether crossing situation or overtaking situation - VHF assisted collision – COLREGS, rules 13, 15

The bulk carriers Dream Star and Meghna Princess were in a collision in Singapore waters. This was the in rem action of Meghna Princess and the counterclaim of Dream Star, both in respect of liability. The collision was port to starboard at 41 degrees. Each party argued that the other ought to have given way, Dream Star because it was the give-way vessel in a crossing situation (COLREGS, rule 15), and Meghna Princess because it was the overtaking vessel in an overtaking situation (COLREGS, rule 13).