Richard A. Johnson v. United States of America, Brent L. Sellick v. United States

BROWNING Circuit Judge:

Appellants filed a consolidated libel against the United States under the Public Vessels Act, 46 U.S.C. § 781 et seq. (1964), for damages resulting from the sinking of the fishing vessel Sea Hunt by the destroyer U.S.S. Somers.

Brent L. Sellick claims the balance due him as vendor under a contract for the sale of the Sea Hunt; Richard A. Johnson, a seaman aboard the vessel when it sank, seeks to recover damages for loss of personal effects and injury to his person. The district court found no negligence in the operation of the Somers, and denied recovery. We affirm.

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