Heuval v. The Barges Z408 & 463

MARSH, District Judge.

Libelant claims he saved two barges and a cargo of 600 tons of coal from impending peril or loss, and brings this action for a salvage award.1 The court has jurisdiction in admiralty of the parties and cause of action.2

*663On September 17,1953, two steel.barges Z408 and 463 had been chartered by Charles Zubik, their owner, to V.. P. Serodino, Inc., and were in the sole and exclusive care, custody and control of the eharteree.

On that day, about 12:30 o’clock P.M., these barges slipped from their moorings at the Serodino loading dock, near the Village of Guild, Marion County,…