Part B.

On 1 February 2020, Jessabelle entered into a contract of carriage with Emu Grains Pty Ltd to carry a large amount of wheat from the Port of Newcastle to Germany.

The cargo was loaded onto the bulk grain carrier SS Golden Swan on 10 February 2020.

On 20 February when passing through the Strait of Hormuz the vessel was seized by the United Nations Peace Keeping Force by the vessel UN Peace Keeper. 

The United Nations alleged that the SS Golden Swan was breaching international sanctions by attempting to sail through the Strait of Hormuz.

The United Nations Peace Keeping Force held the SS Golden Swan for ten days and then released it. By the time of the release the crew were tired and exhausted as the seizure of the vessel was very stressful.

On 2 March, the vessel ran aground off the coast of Greece, a large hole was torn in the hull and the wheat was destroyed. An inquiry into the grounding found that the ship’s master was asleep at the time and no other competent person was in charge of steering the vessel, also, that the vessel had been undermanned for the whole of the voyage.

Emu Grains Pty Limited is suing Jessabelle for the loss of the cargo. Jessabelle does not feel she should be held responsible due to the wrongful seizure of the vessel. 

Advise her on her possible liability.