In re Butcher

KENNERLY and HANNAY, District Judges.

This is a proceeding in admiralty, i.e., a petition by libellants for exoneration from or limitation of liability, filed here by libellants July 10, 1943, under Sections 181 to 189, 46 U.S.C.A.

The pleadings of libellants show that on May 18, 1943, there occurred on the Barges Sun and Star, owned by libellants, a series of explosions which practically destroyed the Barge Star and seriously damaged the Barge Sun. At that time, both Barges were in the possession of Pan American Refining Corporation and/or the Pan American Petroleum Corporation under a…