In re an Arbitration Between Polemis and Another and Furness, Withy & Co., Ltd.

"The Plank that Exploded a Ship"

Should defendants be directly liable for their negligence, even if the type of damage was not reasonably foreseeable?

Stevedores (dockworkers) employed by the defendant accidentally knocked over a wooden plank while moving cargo on plaintiff's ship. The fallen plank somehow created a spark, which ignites the ship's flammable cargo. Plaintiff's entire ship is destroyed as a result.

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