Mason v. Rhinelander

BLATCHPORD, District Judge. (1.) I deem it satisfactorily established by the evidence, that the sinking of the libellant’s boat was caused by its striking a projecting timber in that part of the bulkhead which was not embraced within the lines of any street. (2.) Having caused the bulkhead to be con-strueted with such projecting timber under water and out of sight, the respondent was responsible for all damage caused by it to vessels lying at it and using reasonable care. (3.) When the boat, with her cargo, sank, as the result of her striking such timber, the loss was total, unless she was raised. It was incumbent on the libellant to raise her, if possible, and to use due care and caution in raising her. If, in the proper use of proper means to raise her, further damage was caused to her, the loss therefrom must fall, on the respondent. There is nothing to show that adequate skill was not exercised in the measures taken to raise her. (4.) It is not shown that the libellant did not use reasonable precautions, while Bis boat was lying at the bulkhead, in protecting her by fenders, or that he had reasonable ground for supposing that the fenders he had in use were not adequate. (5.) There is nothing in the leases put in evidence to absolve the respondent from liability. By the reservation in each of them the respondent had the right to construct this very bulkhead, and it was constructed during the term of the leases, and by the respondent. The lessees were not responsible in any manner to third parties for any defect in the construction of the bulkhead. Indeed, if this boat had belonged to the lessees, there is nothing in the leases which could prevent them from recovering against the respondent. There must be a'decree for the libellant, with costs, with a reference to a commissioner to ascertain the damages.