Denver Maritime Ltd v Belpareil AS [2024] EWHC 362 – 26 February 2024 (Baker J)

The Court found that the collision between MV BELPAREIL (B) and MV KIRAN AUSTRALIA (K) was a result of B dropping anchor and K’s response manoeuvres. Liability was assessed 70% B / 30% K. The Court found that B could not rebut the presumption that dragging anchor is prima facie evidence of negligence and failed to inform K in a timely manner, to call earlier for tug assistance and to drop a second anchor. Such various faults were considered effective causes but despite the perilous situation being meanly of B’s making, K contributed by not fulfilling the expectation of competent seamanship to avoid a collision: she should not have let herself fall astern and starboard and should instead have increased engine speed.