Aboitiz Shipping Corp.

vs CA 569 SCRA 294 (2008)

As a general rule, a ship owners liability is merely co-extensive with his interest in the vessel,
EXCEPT, where actual fault is attributable to the ship-owner or ship agent may be liable for
damages when the sinking of the vessel is attributable to the actual fault or negligence of the
ship-owner or its failure to ensure the seaworthiness of the vessel. The instant petitions cannot
be spared from the application of the exception of the doctrine of limited liability in view of the
unanimous findings of the courts that both Aboitiz and the crew failed to ensure the
seaworthiness of M/V Aboitiz.