In re United States

GODDARD, District Judge.

On September 8, 1948, the government filed a petition for exoneration from, or limitation of, liability arising out of the loss of the Motor Vessel Sawokla. The Sawokla, owned and operated by the United States, was sunk on November 29, 1942 by a German surface raider, and the master, fifteen members of the crew, and four of its Navy personnel were lost. The survivors were imprisoned by the enemy until September, 1945, when they were returned to this country.

The government moves to dismiss the claims in this proceeding of certain claimants on the ground that they are…