Moran Towing & Transportation Co. v. Conners-Standard Marine Corp.

PER CURIAM.

In this libel, filed in 1957, after a trial before Judge Murphy on the issue of liability, 189 F.Supp. 955, an appeal to this Court from the interlocutory decree, 285 F.2d 368, 86 A.L.R.2d 1227, and proceedings before a commissioner to fix damages, appellant tug-owner has made what it regards as the discovery that the courts have lacked “jurisdiction” in admiralty from the outset because libel-ant tug-owner was suing on a claim for damages suffered by its tow which had been assigned to it. Apart from all other considerations, we find no support for the contention that admiralty will not entertain a suit by an assignee; the contrary sensible rule seems well-established. Cobb v. Howard, 5 Fed.Cas.No. 1133, No. 2924 (S.D.N.Y.1856); Henry Admiralty Jurisdiction and Procedure (1885), § 108; American Steel Barge Co. v. Chesapeake & Ohio Coal Agency Co., 115 F. 669, 673-674 (1 Cir. 1902); The Mandu, 102 F.2d 459, 461-462 (2 Cir. 1939). We affirm the judgment in open court.