The “Sakizaya Kalon” and “Panamax Alexander” – QBD (Admlty Ct) (Teare J) [2020] EWHC 2604 (Admlty) – 5 October 2020

Collision action – Convoy of eight vessels transiting Suez Canal – First vessel suffering engine problem and anchoring – Following vessels taking steps to moor – Eighth vessel colliding with anchored seventh vessel – Both vessels subsequently colliding with anchored and moored sixth vessel – Liability for collisions

On 15 July 2018 a southbound convoy of eight vessels was proceeding through the southern section of the Suez Canal. At 17.50 the vessel at the head of the convoy, Aeneas, had an engine problem and, by about 18.20, was anchored. Thereafter, the vessels astern of her either took steps to moor or prepared to moor.