American Cyanamid Co. v. Booth S. S. Co.

McGOHEY, District Judge.

This is a libel for recovery for cargo lost when the West Point stranded May 17, 1946. Most of the claims were dismissed by consent prior to trial, leaving for adjudication only those of libellants New Trading Company (hereafter called New Trading cargo) and The Baker Castor Oil Company (hereafter called Baker cargo).

Libellants claim that respondent became liable as an insurer of their respective cargoes against all risks by reason of unjustifiable deviations prior to the stranding. I disagree.

The West Point was a British steamer of 4,998 gross tons, length over all…