DCC 198/1997

This case involved a claim for damages for goods which had been destroyed as a result of a fire on a vessel. Under UAE law where a fire on a ship causes damage it is necessary to specifically prove negligence of the carrier or crew. A vessel is not unseaworthy merely because it has dangerous cargo. The claimant had tried to claim under tort when a contractual relationship existed as a result of the bill of lading, so this was not possible.

Background