THE "F. J. WOLFE."

(1944) 78 Ll.L.Rep. 486

ADMIRALTY DIVISION.

Before Mr. Justice Pilcher, sitting with Captain W. R. Chaplin and Captain G. C. H. Noakes, Elder Brethren of Trinity House.

Collision-Convoys on crossing courses- Duties of individual units of each convoy - Look-out - Lights - Collision between steamship Empire Soldier and motor vessel F. J. Wolfe off St. John's (N.F.)- Empire Soldier in large north-bound convoy; F. J. Wolfe in small west-bound convoy - Both convoys unlighted - F. J. Wolfe sighted by Empire Soldier about three miles distant on starboard bow, on a course crossing from starboard to port-No immediate action taken by Empire Soldier, although F. J. Wolfe continued to approach on same bearing- Empire Soldier sighted by F. J. Wolfe about half mile distant on port bow-Starboarding by F. J. Wolfe followed by hard-a-starboarding when she realised (at about three cables' distance) that the Empire Soldier was crossing her course-Red light of F. J. Wolfe switched on- Masthead and green lights also switched on when it became apparent that the Empire Soldier was taking no action to keep clear-Navigation lights of Empire Soldier then switched on-Starboarding by Empire Soldier just before collision- Impact between stem of F. J. Wolfe and starboard side of Empire Soldier-Empire Soldier sunk - Applicability of crossing rule-Respective duties and obligations of vessels, each being a unit of a convoy approaching another convoy on a crossing course - Collision Regulations, Arts. 19, 21, 22 and 23.