The insurer based its view on a report prepared by the marine surveyor it had appointed to inspect the damage. The surveyor concluded that the cause of the explosion was the gas heater mr. A had installed in the cabin.
Mr. A disputed the surveyor's conclusions. He was not convinced that the heater had caused the explosion and he put forward several alternative theories. He strenuously denied that he had acted recklessly in installing the heater, and said that he had considerable experience in installing such appliances correctly and had taken appropriate care. When the insurer that the circumstances of the case meant that it was not obliged to meet mr. A's claim, he brought his complaint to us.