Petterson Lighterage & Towing Corp. v. Belgian Line, Inc.
Petterson Lighterage & Towing Corp. v. Belgian Line, Inc.
Opinion of the Court
These are appeals involving four consolidated actions in admiralty brought to establish responsibility for the dumping of a cargo of steel rods and beams into New York Harbor. The cargo was owned by Amerlux Steel Products Corporation and had been shipped on the “Belgian Line’s” M/V Houffalize from Antwerp to New York, where it was berthed at the Belgian pier. The shipowners procured the Koala on oral charter from its owner, Petterson Lighterage & Towing Corporation, for the unloading, and Transoceanic Terminal Corporation acted as stevedore. When the loading onto the Koala was completed in a day and a half, and during the next night, as the Koala lay alongside the ship at the pier, she careened and dumped her cargo. Petter-son sought exoneration from or limitation of liability and brought a separate libel for damages to its lighter from the shipowner and the stevedore. There were also libels by the shipowner and the cargo owner. After trial Judge Me-Gohey rejected Petterson’s contention of improper loading and held the loss due entirely to the unseaworthy condition of the Koala, being so old and leaky that leakage of water caused the careening after quite proper stowage of the cargo. D.C.S.D.N.Y., 154 F.Supp. 461. So his interlocutory decree refuses relief to
Despite vigorous attacks on the judge’s findings, we find the findings well supported in the evidence. There was ample evidence, including the persuasive testimony of the qualified marine surveyor, Captain Baggar, of the Koala’s rather strikingly poor condition; and the evidence claimed to show improper stowage was not convincing. Judge McGohey obviously gave the case careful attention. We affirm upon his findings and opinion.
Affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- PETTERSON LIGHTERAGE & TOWING CORPORATION, as owner of THE Lighter KOALA, Libelant-Appellant v. BELGIAN LINE, Incorporated, formerly known as Atlantic Overseas Corporation, and Compagnie Maritime Belge (Lloyd Royal) S. A., and Transoceanic Terminal Corporation, Respondent-Impleaded-Appellee
- Cited By
- 1 case
- Status
- Published