THE "FIDELITIE" AND THE "NORTHAMPTON."

(1945) 79 Ll.L.Rep. 492

ADMIRALTY DIVISION.

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

Negligent navigation-Damage to houseboats moored in Molesey Cut, River Thames- Claim by owners of houseboats against owners of motor barge Fidelitie (first defendants), against owners of barge Northampton (second defendants) and against owners of tug Richmond - Northampton (in tow of Fidelitie) bound down river - Richmond, astern of Northampton, also bound down river- Sheer to starboard by Northampton, resulting in her smelling the ground, sheering to port and colliding with and damaging plaintiffs' houseboats-Res ipso loquitur-Plea by first and second defendants that sheer was due to Richmond overhauling Northampton too closely on her starboard side-Admission of liability by Richmond - Whether Fidelitie employed too long a tow rope-Speed- Duty of lighterman on entering Cut to pay particular attention to his steering.