Adolph Ajubita and A. W. Short, Jerry Fitzpatrick, Intervenor-Appellant v. S/s Peik, Its Engines, Etc.

THORNBERRY, Circuit Judge:

This is an appeal in admiralty by three pilots who rendered their services in the vicinity of the Port of New Orle ans, have not been paid by the now-bankrupt charterers of the vessel, and therefore assert a lien against the vessel itself. The owner of the vessel opposes them. The question whether they are entitled to the lien depends upon the construction given the Federal Maritime Lien Act, 46 U.S.C. §§ 971-975 (1958). We have determined that the Act applies to this case and that it does not allow the lien to attach. This is the decision reached by the trial court,…