Puget Sound Tug & Barge Co. v. Waterman S. S. Corp.

ROCHE, Chief Judge.

By these two actions, which were consolidated for trial, the libelants seek to recover an award for the alleged salvage of respondent’s vessel, the S. S. Herald of the Morning, by the tugs Sea Fox, Neptune and Hercules.

The litigation grows out of the following facts, as disclosed by the record.

At all pertinent times the respondent Waterman Steamship Corporation (hereinafter called “Waterman”) was the owner of the American steamer Herald of the Morning (hereinafter called “Herald”) which it had purchased from the United States Maritime Commission for reconversion to a cargo…