Facts
After a collision caused partly by the Oropesa, the master of the damaged ship set out in a lifeboat in heavy seas to discuss salvage. The boat capsized and a crewman drowned.
Issue
Did the master's decision break the ?
Held
No. His action was a reasonable response to the emergency, so the Oropesa's owners were liable.
Principle
To break the chain, an intervening act must be something unwarrantable, a new cause, extraneous or extrinsic (Lord Wright).
Why it matters
Leading statement on .
Cited in these chapters
Topics
Cite this page
The Oropesa [1943] P 32 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/the-oropesa> accessed 31 October 2026
The accessed date is today's date. Check your course or publisher's style guide.
This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.