Coastal Towing Corp. v. M/V Emily Jean

GODBOLD, Circuit Judge:

This case arises from the collision of two barge tows on the Mississippi River. A downbound tow powered by the motor vessel Emily Jean and an upbound tow powered by the motor vessel Fay Black-man collided in the vicinity of mile 404.-4, near Port Gibson, Mississippi. Two barges were destroyed, one was damaged, and two Fay Blackman crew members jumped overboard and were drowned. All third party claims against the vessels were settled and the proceeding in admiralty below was to determine whether the Emily Jean, the Fay Black-man, or both, were liable for the losses…