ESSO PETROLEUM CO. LTD. v. HALL RUSSELL AND CO. LTD. (THE “ESSO BERNICIA”)

[1989] 1 Lloyd's Rep. 8

HOUSE OF LORDS

Before Lord Keith of Kinkel Lord Brandon of Oakbrook, Lord Templeman, Lord Goff of Chieveley and Lord Jauncey of Tullichettle

Negligence - Oil pollution - Vessel under compulsory pilotage - Tug boat assisting vessel to berth at oil terminal - Tug boat became disabled - Vessel damaged, and damaged by, mooring dolphins - Plaintiffs paid sums to crofters and operators of terminal - Whether tug boat negligently designed and built - Whether plaintiffs could recover sums paid from tug boat builder and designer - Whether Shetland Island Council vicariously responsible for acts or omissions of pilot.