Meseck Towing Lines, Inc. v. United States. The Eugene Meseck. The Augustine

CLARK, Circuit Judge.

This appeal is from a decree of the district court dismissing a libel for damages to libelant’s tug, the Eugene Meseck, in collision with another of libelant’s tugs, the Augustine. Both tugs—together with some seven others—were assisting the United States Battleship Wisconsin into berth at Bayonne, New Jersey, on April 12, 1947. The Meseck was stationed at the port bow, and the Augustine on the port quarter. The Wisconsin was to berth with her port side next to the dock. Hence it was necessary for both tugs to disengage before the Wisconsin entered the slip. As they…