The Barge No. 12
The Barge No. 12
Opinion of the Court
The Furst-Clark Construction Company, owner of the tugboat Security and barge No. 12, filed its libel to limit its liability to the value of the tug and barge for the injury to Mrs. Reone Field, sustained in a collision between the launch in which Mrs. Field was riding and barge No. 12, in tow of the Security on New river, January 24, 1912. Stich proceedings were had that appraisers were appointed, and the value of the tug and barge reported to the court, and deposit made pursuant to law. A commissioner was subsequently appointed to receive claims against the boat and barge. Only one claim was filed, that of Mrs. Field, for damages for injuries received in the collision.
The testimony taken before the commissioner shows that the tug had in tow barge No. 12 on the night in question, and met the launch in which claimant was riding about Horseshoe Bend in New river; that it was a dark night, and the launch, an 18-foot boat, had the regulation lights burning. The lights carried by the tug were those prescribed for a boat without a tow. The tow had no lights. It is true the captain and engineer both testify that the tug had a tow light burning at the time of the collision; but I think the weight of the testimony negatives this claim, and the captain of the tug is the only one who testifies to any light on the tow. All the witnesses testifying to how the collision occurred testify positively that there were no lights on the tow, except the captain and the engineer of the tug, and of these last two the engineer testifies that to the best of his remembrance there were no 'lights on the tow.
A decree awarding her this amount will be entered, and limiting the liability of the Furst-Clark Construction Company to the value of the tug and barge as reported by the appraisers. The costs of this proceeding to be paid first from the fund.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- THE BARGE NO. 12. THE SECURITY
- Status
- Published