In the Matter of Petition for Exoneration and Limitation of Liability of the Boat Camden, Inc.

This is an interlocutory appeal from an order of the district court requiring a petitioner seeking exoneration and limitation of liability under the Limitations of Vessel Owners’ Liability Act, 46 U.S.C. §§ 181 et seq., to post a bond in the amount of $500,-000 although the fishing vessel has disappeared under circumstances concededly leading to the conclusion that she has been lost at sea, and has no present value. The district court conducted a hearing, which has not been transcribed due to the urgency and immediacy of its order, but we will assume that nothing was represented to it other…