Mathiasen Shipping Co. v. United States

KENNEDY, District Judge.

Mathiasen Shipping Co. Inc. (referred to as Mathiasen) has filed its libel on in rem principles against the United States, as owner of the steamer Golden Fleece.1 The suit is to recover damages for the loss of libelant’s tug Ideal,2 which on January 7, 1945, at about 2:00 p.m., Eastern War Time, was crushed against Pier 13, Staten Island, and which ultimately foundered somewhere to the southward of the pier. Shortly prior to January 6, 1945, Mathiasen had entered into an engagement with the Bull Line, agents for the' owners of Golden Fleece, to undock the steamer,…