Sylvester v. United States

MEMORANDUM

This is a wrongful death action involving numerous parties. Before the court is a motion for summary judgment (Rule 56 *402F.R.C.P.) brought by one of the third-party defendants. The movant, M/V Reef Queen (hereinafter “Reef Queen”), seeks judgment in its favor on the contractual indemnity claim raised against it by defendant third-party plaintiff the United States. Despite the necessary maritime dressing the issue presented can be simply stated:

A party purchased a vessel without notice of any claims or liens against the vessel. Nearly a year after the purchase a third party seeks to…