Can shipmasters and crew members be sued in tort claims?

In the much-cited case of Adler v. Dickson (The Himalaya) [1954], the master and bosun of a P&O liner were sued for damages by an injured passenger who had fallen from an improperly positioned gangway. Damages of over £14, 000 were awarded against the master. Some masters have been sued by cruise passengers who have sustained injuries or stress in heavy weather.