- Admiralty Court Sees Cross-Claims After North Sea Vessel Crash.
- Owners of Vessels File Suit Over Jet Fuel Spill and Fatal Collision.
- Investigation Points to Watchstanding Failures in Fatal Maritime Crash.
Legal action has already started after an accident in the North Sea led to the loss of jet fuel, a gigantic fire, and one crew missing and presumed deceased. On Thursday, court documents indicated that the owners and demise charterers of the ship that was involved in the collision had brought a claim to the Admiralty Court in London against their opposite numbers in the other ship, which was berthed when it crashed into the ship on 10 March, reports BBC.
Standard Procedure in Maritime Disputes
A spokesperson for the vessel that made the latest legal filing said: “As part of the legal proceedings arising from the collision between the two vessels, the owners… have filed a claim in the Admiralty Court in London. This is usual process for large maritime casualties and represents another step in working toward the conclusion of this tragic incident.”
The spokesperson added that they will continue cooperating with investigations: “Meanwhile, [the company] continues to offer all necessary assistance in support of the ongoing investigations.”
Fuel Spill and Fire Damage
After the crash, a fire erupted that continued for a few days. One week after the incident, the ship that was involved in the accident docked at a UK port. A report by one of the co-owners of the ship that was anchored indicated that 17,515 barrels of jet fuel were lost as a result of the collision and fire. On Monday, the firm whose ship was under way at the time confirmed it had set up a fund anticipating any confirmed legal claims.
Investigation Reveals Lack of Lookouts
On Thursday, the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) released an interim report into the incident. It noted a critical lapse in safety protocols: The vessels did not have “dedicated lookouts” in what was described as “patchy conditions.”
In response, the operating company of the anchored vessel defended its adherence to regulations: “The vessel was in compliance with applicable watch-standing safety regulations and company policies for an anchored vessel at the time of the crash. We are confident the forthcoming comprehensive investigation report will clarify the facts and circumstances of the incident, demonstrating that [the operator] exercised appropriate vigilance.”
Casualty and Legal Consequences
Sadly, one member of the crew on the moving ship, who was allegedly situated in the front section at the time of the collision, is missing and is considered dead. Further, the vessel’s captain has been accused of gross negligence manslaughter and is due to appear in court next year.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: BBC
