In the Matter of Sun Oil Company, as Owners of the M/t Maumee Sun v. Peter J. Govostes, Claimants-Appellants

One of the bases for the trial court’s decision in denying a salvage award to members of the crew of the American Pilot for services provided after her collision with the Maumee Sun, was the fact that the Pilot rendered no voluntary aid to the Sun, but was, instead, acting out of concern for her own safety. In Re Sun Oil Co., 342 F.Supp. 976 (S.D.N.Y.1972). This finding, although disputed by the appellants, was supported by substantial evidence.

The appellants further argue that a settlement between the owners of the two vessels for a salvage award of $4,000 to the owner of the Pilot is…