Missing Ship Law and Legal Definition
Missing ship refers to a vessel that has been at sea for a much longer time than she ought to have been. A missing ship is presumed to have perished in sea with all on board. Presumption of missing is computed from the vessel's known day of sailing, the time that has elapsed exceeds the average voyage at the same season of the year.
Missing ship through neglect is an offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. [United States v. Thompson, 2 U.S.C.M.A. 460, 462 (C.M.A. 1953)]. In considering the offense of missing ship, evidence of knowledge of the impending movement of the ship is essential to sustain conviction. [United States v. Le Blanc, 2 C.M.R. 612, 614 (C.M.R. 1952)].
