Outer Temple Chambers’ Post

Barristers James Leonard KC and Oliver Powell of Outer Temple Chambers, instructed by Simon Belfield of DWF, appeared on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (‘MCA’), at Southampton Crown Court. After a 4 ½ week trial, a jury unanimously convicted Intrada Ships Management Ltd of failing to take all reasonable steps to secure that a ship was operated in a safe manner. On 13 December 2021, the Scot Carrier, a UK registered general cargo vessel, and the Karin Høj, a Danish registered barge, were in the Baltic Sea just off the South coast of Sweden. On arriving at the southerly end of the TSS, the Scott Carrier turned 50° to starboard to head towards its next waypoint. The Karin Høj maintained her speed and course as she was heading for port on all but the same course to the southwest. In consequence of this manoeuvre, the Scot Carrier’s bow struck the Karin Høj amidships on the port side, causing the Karin Høj to roll and immediately capsize. The two crew members of the Karin Høj, the Master Erik Jensen and the mate Per Hartmann Christensen, were both were killed as a result of the collision. Mr Mark Wilkinson was the Second Officer (‘2/O’) on board the Scot Carrier and the Officer of the Watch at the time of the collision. Wilkinson, was significantly above the legal alcohol limit. On 16 June 2022, he pleaded guilty before the Danish courts to gross negligence manslaughter and failing to render assistance to those in peril at sea. On 17 July 2023, Captain Sam Farrow pleaded guilty to failing to operate a ship in accordance with the safety management system on the basis of which the Safety Management Certificate was issued. On 10 December 2024, Intrada Ships Management Ltd was convicted of failing to take all reasonable steps to secure that a ship was operated in a safe manner. To read more, click here: https://lnkd.in/ehpEPF5u #HealthSafetyEnvironment #Maritime #ShipCollision