Connett v. City of New York

KNOX, District Judge.

The damages sustained by libelants’ barge Tom arose as a result of the breaking of a link of the starboard chain of the steering gear of the tug O’Brien Brothers, by which she was being towed. The evidence indicates that the break was caused by a latent defect in the chain, not discoverable by inspection. But a few weeks before the accident, a new steering gear for the tug was installed by John W. Sullivan Company, conducting a local repair yard. The concern bears a good reputation, and it appears that its work with respect to the gear was carefully and well done. It had…