MAN Ferrostaal, Inc. v. M/V Akili

WINTER, Circuit Judge:

The M/V Akili, its owner, Akela Navigation Co., and manager, Almi Marine Management, appeal from Judge Cote’s decision, after a bench trial, holding the MTV Akili liable in rem for damage to cargo shipped aboard the vessel. Appellants claim that the district court erred in holding the vessel liable in rem. Man Ferrostaal (“Ferrostaal”) cross-appeals from the holding that Almi Marine Management (“Almi”) and Akela Navigation Co. (“Ake-la”) are not liable in personam under a bailment theory. We write at length to clarify both the issues and our analysis, which differs…