Marine casualty and investigation

While safety is, and has always been, at the top of the agenda for the maritime and offshore industries, incidents nevertheless happen at sea. If a marine casualty occurs, our specialist lawyers are ready 24/7 to support shipowners, charterers, salvors, P&I clubs and property insurers around the world in dealing with emergency situations.

Fast and effective casualty response

We have the strength and depth of expertise to handle all major maritime casualties and incidents, including groundings, fires, collisions, pollution incidents and investigations as well as the full range of marine claims. Our casualty lawyers are based in the UK, France, Spain, Greece and Singapore and offer over 150 years’ combined experience in dealing with casualties globally. Where required, they work alongside an established international network of technical and legal professionals.

For investigations, where possible, we use analytical techniques to extract and assess VDR and AIS data, recreate navigation plots on various types of charts, including electronic navigational charts, often with satellite and other overlays, and use maritime intelligence sources to identify parties, destinations and trading pattern. While we regularly provide initial analysis in-house, we do not hesitate to engage external consultants for further investigation when necessary.

In-depth knowledge about “wet” salvage related services. Thorough approach and always looking for a reasonable commercial solution.

Our lawyers are also well-known for their significant track record in marine salvage and are one of the few maritime teams consistently dealing with a high number of salvage cases annually. After swiftly drawing together factual information about the incident and its surrounding environment, we are on hand to provide practical support throughout the salvage operation itself and to ensure that the appropriate evidence is gathered.

Where there is suspected foul play after a casualty, we have a wealth of experience in dealing with investigating authorities and in defending clients’ interests where a risk of criminal penalties arises. We are familiar with the full spectrum of issues that need to be dealt with and work tirelessly to secure the best outcome.

How we help our clients

Assisting with casualty investigations

Dealing with grounding incidents

Collision response

Advice on ice damage

Salvage for salvor or property interests

Wreck removal

Marine personal injury and fatality claims

Compliance with international laws and regulations

Criminal investigations

Marine leisure casualties – cruise liners, yachts, superyachts and small craft

Guidance on pollution incidents

Recent work highlights

Suez Canal three vessel collision

Representing the owners after a collision in the Suez Canal involving three vessels, having previously acted in a Suez collision case that led to an Admiralty Court trial.

Dock damage in Vietnam after allision

Providing support to shipowners on the legal issues arising from an allision in Vietnam, which resulted in significant damage to port infrastructure including the destruction of a jetty terminal.

Fire aboard car carrier vessel

Advising insurers in relation to a major fire aboard a car carrier vessel that resulted in a total loss, raising complex questions of insurance and liability considerations.

North Sea salvage after fatal collision

Acting for salvors, who had assisted a vessel on fire after a fatal collision in the North Sea, in connection with salvage operations, providing guidance throughout the post-incident legal processes.

Unsafe port allegation following grounding

Advising charterers in defending an unsafe port claim following the grounding of a vessel in a West African port, including assessment of contractual obligations, and potential liabilities.

Collision leading to criminal proceedings

Assisting clients who faced criminal proceedings in the UK following a maritime collision which sadly resulted in a number of fatalities.

Bulk carrier cargo explosion at sea

Providing advice in the aftermath of an explosion in the cargo hold of a bulk carrier in the Atlantic Ocean, including assessment of liability and investigation coordination.

Deck cargo loss in heavy weather

Acting for shipowners in relation to substantial claims arising from the collapse of project deck cargo during heavy weather, resulting in significant losses.

Salvage of vessel in offshore gas field

Representing the salvors of a vessel that lost power during a storm and was abandoned by its crew, leaving it at imminent risk of hitting gas installations and running aground.

Collision in Chittagong Anchorage

Acting for the owners of one of the vessels involved in a collision in Chittagong Anchorage, in proceedings that culminated in a trial before the English Admiralty Court.

Limitation fund after major yacht fire

Successfully establishing a limitation fund in England following a yacht fire, having resisted a jurisdiction challenge by a party that had commenced substantive proceedings in another jurisdiction.

Damaging collision in Mediterranean

Assisting a vessel owner after a collision with another vessel off the coast of Greece that led to significant structural damage, including acting on post-incident claims and proceedings.