THE "CARRICK COAST."

(1947) 81 Ll L Rep 447

ADMIRALTY DIVISION.

Before Mr. Justice Willmer, sitting with Captain W. R. Chaplin and Captain W. E. Crumplin, Elder Brethren of Trinity House.

Negligent navigation - Inevitable accident - Sudden peril-Alternative courses of action to avoid peril-Reasonableness of action taken - Chain of causation - Whether broken-Plaintiff's motor launch Souvenir and defendants' motor vessel Carrick Coast moored in Poole Harbour- Souvenir heading up river-Carrick Coast heading down river - Carrick Coast up river of Souvenir-Ebb tide-Outbreak of fire on quay close to stern of Carrick Coast -Serious risk to Carrick Coast-Fore and aft moorings cast off and engines put ahead-Collision with Souvenir-Plea by Carrick Coast that collision was due to inevitable accident and that it could not have been avoided by the exercise of reasonable care and skill on her part- Evidence of alternative courses of action open to Carrick Coast to avoid peril- Whether action taken was reasonable and such as not to break the chain of causation.