Sullivan v. American President Lines, Ltd.

HARRIS, Chief Judge.

This is a longshoreman’s suit for personal injury against a steamship and terminal operator. On the day of his accident (February 29, 1960) Sullivan— the longshoreman — was employed by President Lines to perform ordinary laboring tasks as a member of its so-called “maintenance gang.” The only work assigned Sullivan by his foreman on that day was the repairing of a life boat which was on dry land (up on chocks ashore at Pier 50, San Francisco). He remained so engaged from 8:00 to 10:00 that morning. At 10:00 o’clock he excused himself from work to take a “coffee break.” For…