Hurricanes do not show favoritism to business owners on land or sea in in its destruction and disruption. Following a major hurricane or other extreme weather event businesses and vendors including, vessel owners and operators may face liability for failure to perform their agreed contracts or liability arising from an allision or collision. In such a situation, to escape liability, vessel owners and operators may take advantage of two doctrines: (1) force majeure and (2) the "inevitable accident"/ "Act of God" defense. 

Read on to explore the key legal doctrines and understand the burden of proof required for each.