The Michael Weidner

GALSTON, District Judge.

On October 24, 1938, the barges Michael Weidner and James F. Ryan, with three other loaded barges, were eastbound on the New York State Barge Canal in tow of the motor tug Choctaw. The tow was in tandem formation, the Michael Weidner being the head boat and the James F. Ryan the third boat in the tow.

Shortly after the tow left lock 34, at about 6:50 P. M., between daylight and dark, the weather being fair, as the tow approached the bend, making a starboard turn, the captain of the Choctaw saw the tug Victor’s lights. He sounded one whistle and testified that he got a…