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.