THE "VICTORIA."

[1951] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 410

ADMIRALTY DIVISION.

Before Mr. Justice Willmer, sitting with Commodore R. L. F. Hubbard and Captain K. McM. Drake, Elder Brethren of Trinity House.

Collision-River Thames-Narrow channel rule-Vessel approaching point in river while navigating against tidal stream - Look-out - Failure to exhibit additional masthead light-Collision between plaintiff motor vessel B.P. Spirit and defendant steamship Victoria in Northfleet Hope, River Thames-Flood tide-B.P. Spirit, inward bound, rounding Tilbury Ness -Victoria proceeding down Northfleet Hope, approaching Tilbury Ness- Plaintiffs' case that both side lights and masthead lights of Victoria were sighted by B.P. Spirit fine on starboard bow, and, after rounding Tilbury Ness, fine on port bow; that B.P. Spirit starboarded; and that collision occurred on north side of channel- Defendants' case that B.P. Spirit crossed river ahead of Victoria, reaching position of safety, green to green; that Victoria ported; that B.P. Spirit starboarded across bows of Victoria; and that collision occurred on south side of channel-Probabilities -Evidence that B.P. Spirit had passed two vessels ahead of Victoria port to port-Grounding of B.P. Spirit on north side as consequence of collision- Failure by B.P. Spirit (157 ft. 6 in. in length) to exhibit second masthead light-Whether contributing to collision -Alleged duty upon B.P. Spirit to reverse her engines immediately danger of collision arose-Port of London River By-laws, 1938, Rules 8, 38, 42 (a).