United States v. The Tug Richard J. Moran

GIGNOUX, District Judge.

On August 11, 1960 the United States of America filed this libel in rem against the Tug RICHARD J. MORAN (ex MAINE) for damages sustained by the SS SAMUEL JOHNSTON and the SS HELEN HUNT JACKSON in a collision, alleged to have been caused by the negligence of the tug, on March 29, 1947, at Brown’s Wharf, Portland, Maine. The question now before the Court is whether the government’s libel is barred by laches, an issue which was raised by claimant in its answer. All material facts have been stipulated.

At the time of the collision in 1947, the Tug RICHARD J. MORAN was…