Hartley v Ponsonby (1857) ruled that seamen were entitled to additional compensation promised by the ship's master after a significant number of the crew deserted. It established that the original contract was voided by the increased danger and workload, justifying the new agreement for higher pay.
Void Original Contract: The court held that the original contract of service was voided due to the significantly reduced crew, which increased the danger and workload for the remaining seamen, thereby justifying a new agreement for additional compensation.
