United States v. M/V PITCAIRN

HEEBE, District Judge:

This matter reaches us as a result of the alleged collision on March 1, 1962, of the tug M/V PITCAIRN and its tow, the barge S.O.C. 100, with the Houston Ship Channel Light No. 59. The United States libeled the vessels on March 26, 1965, seeking recovery of the cost of repairs to the light and the statutory penalty, 33 U.S.C.A. § 412. The PITCAIRN was seized on March 30, 1966, at 9:55 a. m. and was released on April 1, 1966, at 4:56 p. m., some fifty-five hours later, upon the posting of a bond by claimant Jack Nielson. On May 11, 1966, the claimant filed an answer to…