Gaunt v. Alaska Steamship Co.

Appellant Gaunt, a seaman, sued the respondent for personal injuries sustained on its “SS Iliamna.” Appellant was one of three seamen ordered to take down a turnbuckle and forward stay which required them to work near a deck cargo of creosoted and slippery telephone poles. While so engaged, the appellant fell, causing the injuries for which he sued. The action is based upon both the respondent’s negligence and the unseaworthiness of its vessel.

The jury found by special verdict 2 that the injury was not caused by either respondent’s negligence or the unseaworthiness of its vessel.

Assumption of…