Web Alert: The International Group's large casualty working group updates recommendations to clubs handling major casualties

In 2013, the International Group's large casualty working group concluded a review of the 20 largest shipping casualties that had occurred between 2002 and 2012. The purpose of the review was to identify and examine the factors that had most contributed to the costs of those claims and devise strategies to reduce and control costs in future cases.

The large casualty working group is comprised of senior club personnel with considerable experience of handling major casualties. The Standard Club is represented by Sam Kendall-Marsden, Head of Division, UK & Americas. Sam has been involved in a number of major casualties handled by the club in recent years, including the MSC Chitra, Amadeo 1 and Costa Concordia.

The working group has now concluded a review of a further six major casualties that have occurred since 2012 and updated its conclusions and recommendations. The key issues considered were:

• Location, water depth, availability of response equipment and weather
• Contractual arrangements
• Performance of salvage masters, contractors and special casualty representatives
• The extent of government or other authority intervention
• Bunker removal operations
• Container ship casualties

A more detailed summary of the review's findings and recommendations can be found on the right.

If you have any queries in relation to this web alert please contact either the author or your usual club contact.