Bridge destroyed by a containership

[happy daze john in oz]

As to the 1851 law, no idea what it is.
But shipping companies have not change since our days, if they can find a way out to reduce costs they will.
No doubt hidden away in the mist of time there sits this law.
Maybe when time comes they will explain, lawyers will no doubt be interested,

[j.sabourn]

#82. More so the Sea ones John. JS

[Des Taff Jenkins]

The 1851 Law States that one must pull the wool over the other protagonists eyes first, in order to stuff his statement up the hawse pipe,
Or first in best dressed.
John just as an aside was that ship called the William Rhuys? or do you know if it became that with a change of name?

[j.sabourn]

I have spelt it two different ways Des but thinking back it was just the Ruys . All the passengers had to be flown back to Europe or most of them at least. She was on her way out but had to return to BA. Due to the collision. That channel into BA was supposed to be dredged to 27 feet which means that was the least depth of water at mean low water spring tides. The height of tide was on top of that 27 feet could have been another 10 feet . However I was on the bridge prior to the collision with the pilot and I got the distinct impression she was touching the mud and sliding. So to my thinking the dredging of the channel was another Spanish Manana Manana and back to another siesta on behalf of the harbour authority’s. This is what I told the legal team. No one else would say the obvious.JS

[j.sabourn]

#84 And if it’s a black sheep’s wool Des then further up and over the Gypsy and down the Spurling pipe and let the chain do it’s worse . Cheers JS

[Michael Black]

#81 John not sure if you were asking me about smiths dock but I have not worked there unless you count the week the tug I was on was in there to have her propeller replaced.
I think the act that John in Oz is referring to is a limit of loss to the insurance company of only being liable to the value of the ship and cargo.
This depending on who you believe is approx $50 million whereas the claims for rebuilding the bridge, compensation for loss of trade, loss of earnings, damages not to mention the 6 workers that lost their lives. That total will run into the billions of dollars.
Regards Michael

[j.sabourn]

Trying to remember the word for it something like General Average but not sure ,too long ago. I dumped all my books years ago too much to cart around . Cheers JS
Just had a thought on general average, that works on the principle of all stake holders in a maritime venture share any losses from a voluntary sacrifice of part of ship or cargo. So think that is going up the wrong garden path. JS
Re Smiths Drydock don’t think it’s there anymore is it ? Know the Jungle ( Northumberland
Arms) isn’t , all the yuppies now living there ! JS
The only ones who could cover such a huge claim would I say be Lloyds of London , as all their members take on huge insurance gambles on a handshake. Would break a few people and would have to join the dole queue and come back to earth. Cheers JS

[Michael Black]

John, smith's dock closed in 1987 I think, housing on the site now, I haven't been there for years but I think they kept 1 or 2 docks as marinas.
Had some good times in the jungle, good job the bus used to come down the bank to the ferry landing.
Regards Michael

[Bill Morrison]

Posts #85 Des & #86 John S. Ruys & Zone. Wm. Rotterdam.

Willem Ruys Built 1947 23629 Tons. Sold 1965.

Achille Lauro ex Willien Ruys 1965 Italian.

Bill.

[Tony Taylor]

John, smith's dock closed in 1987 I think, housing on the site now, I haven't been there for years but I think they kept 1 or 2 docks as marinas.
Had some good times in the jungle, good job the bus used to come down the bank to the ferry landing.
Regards Michael

In early 80s I used to visit Smiths at least once a week; I used to see the fitting shop manager, it was huge and lots of men working in there as well as the guys actually onboard the vessels in dock.
Always got clear before knocking off time as it was like a tidal wave of humanity surging out of the gates; it was also a good idea to get through Wallsend as well before Swans chucked out as you couldnt get past the yard till it subsided.