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.