Spanik v. Dawe Contracting Corp.

THOMSEN, Chief Judge.

This suit in admiralty to recover for personal injuries raises questions of liability and damages.

The issue of liability may be briefly stated and decided. Libelant is a ship’s carpenter, a member of a gang which on October 15, 1961, was employed by Oriole Ship Ceiling Company aboard the SS Globe Progress in Baltimore Harbor, to fit the vessel for grain. Libelant was deckman for the gang, which was working in the #3 hold. The #3 hatch is 31' x 35’, with 42" coamings. A catwalk 42" wide runs along the port side of the hatch. Notice had been given to stop work at 5 p. m.,…