In the Matter of Sun Oil Company, as Owners of the M/t Maumee Sun v. Peter J. Govostes, Claimants-Appellants

474 F.2d 1048, 1973 U.S. App. LEXIS 11421

• Court: Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
• Decided: February 27, 1973
• Docket: 484, Docket 72-1754
• Status: Published

Opinion

PER CURIAM:

One of the bases for the trial court’s decision in denying a salvage award to members of the crew of the American Pilot for services provided after her collision with the Maumee Sun, was the fact that the Pilot rendered no voluntary aid to the Sun, but was, instead, acting out of concern for her own safety. In Re Sun Oil Co., 342 F.Supp. 976 (S.D.N.Y.1972). This finding, although disputed by the appellants, was supported by substantial evidence.

The appellants further argue that a settlement between the owners of the two vessels for a salvage award of $4,000 to the owner of the Pilot is dis-positive on the liability question. There is no merit in this contention. Settlements are not to be used to establish liability against a party in other suits arising out of the same occurrence, Seaboard Shipping Corp. v. Jocharanne Tugboat Corp., 461 F.2d 500, 505 (2 Cir. 1972); Hawthorne v. Eckerson Co., 77 F.2d 844, 847 (2 Cir. 1935).

Because the finding and conclusion of the district court that there was no voluntary aid were sufficient to support the judgment, it is unnecessary to consider the question of whether or not the Stand By Act, 33 U.S.C. § 367 also would preclude recovery on the part of the crew.

The judgment is affirmed.