100 F. 134 | D. Conn. | 1900
Petition for limitation of liability. On July 7, 1899, shortly after 6 o’clock in the afternoon, the steam yacht Fra Diavolo pame up the bay of Hew York, intending to land at the Battery, and, being prevented from so doing, had started to go up the Horth river to pier 6, when the large Sound steamship Hew
Counsel for petitioner contends that the starboard-hand rule does not apply because there was no danger of collision if the yacht had kept her course. I find, as aforesaid, that the yacht did practically keep her course, because, during the half minute or minute between the time when the boats sighted each other and the collision, Dennis says the boat did not go any nearer to the Hew York shore, McHutt says she was on a straight course, Smith says he kept his course, and .Burke and Hull say she did not change her course; and their further testimony that ihe Hew Hampshire, going down, passed on a parallel course, and as to ilio distances at which the yacht passed the various piers, supported by that of the divers as to where they found the wreck of Ihe yacht, and by the proof as to destination, furnish a pm ponderarme of testimony that there was no material change of the yacht’s course, or no change which would justify the course of the Hustler, or which materially affected the result. Even though the yacht did slightly draw towards the shore, or did keep her speed, and did not stop and reverse, — also claimed as negligence, — it is immaterial, because she had the right of way, and in a clear harbor was speeding away from the Hustler. The petitioner’s allegation of insufficient lookout on the yacht is immaterial because it appears, even if true, that it could not have contributed to the disaster. The witnesses on the yacht say they saw the Hustler as soon as the Hew Hampshire passed, and the interchange of whistles shows a sufficient knowledge on both sides.
A decree may be entered for limitation of liability, allowance of claim against proceeds, and for reference back to comihissioner. :