Haroco Co. v. the Tai Shan

DIMOCK, District Judge.

Libelants in these suits had various interests in cargo carried on respondents’ ship Tai Shan bound from Taku Bar off the North China coast to North American continental ports. The cargo was damaged by fire while the ship was off the direct route from Taku Bar to North American ports. The “Fire Statute”, 46 U.S.C. § 182, has the general effect of absolving the ship from the consequences of fire. It is cargo’s contention that conduct of the ship in departing from the direct route amounted to an “unreasonable deviation” and that this deviation rendered the ship liable for…