Reference no: EM131682099

In March 2017, the captain of ‘SS Pacific’ was carrying livestock and abattoir related equipment from Brisbane to Indonesia when cyclone Debbie effected its trip causing 14 containers carrying equipment to fall over. Also, the SS Pacific was not in the best condition because not enough time had been allocated to maintenance works during port stays. The Hull of the ship had cracks that were not detected or fixed. During the trip, the SS Pacific took on a substantial amount of water which drowned 456 cattle. The SS Pacific was now moving very slowly and sea pirates boarded and took control of the ship and its cargo. The captain took evasive action but the evasive action was ineffective because it was carrying too much water. The ship was located off the coast of Indonesia without the livestock but the remaining 116 containers of abattoir equipment was still on board. Most of the abattoir equipment eventually arrived to its destination. The livestock and cargo were carried under bills of lading and the contracts excluded the carrier from liability for damage or loss to the livestock and cargo. No mention was made in the contracts on whether the abattoir equipment would be carried on deck. Advise the carrier of its liability to the various shippers, making reference to the amended Hague Visby Rules.