THE "FORT ORANGE."

(1946) 80 Ll L Rep 171

ADMIRALTY DIVISION.

Before Lord Merriman (President), sitting with Captain A. H. Ryley and Captain R. L. F. Hubbard, Elder Brethren of Trinity House.

Collision - Convoys on crossing courses - Look-out - Seamanship - Crossing rule - Collision between steamship Blairdevon, in starboard column of outward-bound nine-column convoy on course of 210 deg., and steamship Fort Orange, in centre column of inward-bound three-column convoy on course of 97 deg. - Lights of each convoy switched on when convoys about four miles distant from each other - Cluster of green and white lights seen by Blairdevon on starboard bow, denoting presence of convoy - Starboarding by Fort Orange (allegedly in accordance with commodore's orders) resulting in her red opening on Blairdevon's starboard bow - Porting by Blairdevon - Course and speed of Fort Orange maintained - Impact between stem of Fort Orange and starboard side of Blairdevon at about right angle - Whether Blairdevon under a duty to give way under the crossing rule - Respective duties in the particular circumstances.