McKenney v. United States

ROCHE, Chief Judge.

Libelant was employed in a civilian capacity as junior third mate aboard the USAT General C. G. Morton, a public vessel owned and operated by the respondent. On July 17, 1948, while en route in the Pacific Ocean, the master of the vessel ordered an emergency lifeboat drill to take place under the command of the libel-ant.

Participants in the drill consisted of the libelant, a crew of six seamen and two passengers. The libelant stood in a crouched position on the stern thwart of the lifeboat, holding on to the tiller with his left hand. Two of the crew stood in the bottom of…