WASHBOURN v. SCOTTISH STEAMSHIP COMPANY, LTD.

[1951] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 273

KING'S BENCH DIVISION.

Before Mr. Justice Sellers.

Negligence-Safe means of access on board ship-Open hatch-Absence of lights- Sphere of employment - Personal injuries sustained by plaintiff apprentice electrician employed by contractors engaged on repair work to defendants' motor vessel in London dry dock-Ship recently fumigated, traces of gas remaining in forepeak-Forepeak hatch left open for purpose of ventilation- Plaintiff instructed by charge-hand to proceed to electricians' store in forecastle for purposes in connection with his work-Fall down forepeak hatch situated at rear of electricians' store- Forepeak without lights - Danger notice ["Danger, Forepeak hatch open"] displayed at entrances to alleyways leading past electricians' store to forepeak-Claim against shipowners alleging common law negligence and/or breach of statutory duty-Dispute as to manner in which plaintiff sustained his injury - Circumstantial evidence - Shipbuilding Regulations, 1931, Regulations 10, 42 (b).