In the event that a passenger's luggage is damaged due to a storm, what is the captain's liability?

In maritime law, the liability of a captain regarding passenger luggage is generally limited, especially when damage occurs due to natural events such as storms. The principle at play is that when damage arises from acts of God, or unforeseen and uncontrollable natural occurrences, the carrier — in this case, the captain — is typically not held liable. This is rooted in the understanding that the captain and the ship crew cannot be reasonably expected to control or mitigate the impact of nature.

When it comes to a storm causing damage to luggage, it is considered an event outside of the captain's control, which absolves them from liability. The purpose of this framework is to protect maritime operators from the unpredictability inherent in maritime travel, recognizing that nature can impose risks that are not related to the actions or negligence of the ship's crew.

Hence, the assertion that the captain is not liable for the damage aligns with established maritime principles, emphasizing that liability can be limited in cases involving natural disasters. The other options suggest varying degrees of liability that would not be applicable under these circumstances, as the captain cannot foresee or prevent damage caused by a storm.