Patterson Shrimp Co. v. The O/S Freedom

GARZA, District Judge.

This case involves the priority between a preferred mortgage held by Libellant on the O/S FREEDOM and maritime liens held by intervening libellants, some arising before the execution of the mortgage, and some after.

The validity of the mortgage and its perfection in accordance with the Ship Mortgage Act is not questioned; but the mortgagee contends that the maritime liens claimed by Border Marine Ways, Inc. and Seaport Service and Supply, Inc. are barred by laches or at least have lost their preferred lien status as against the preferred ship mortgage.

In this case, the…