United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

The Nevada, 106 U.S. 154 (1882)

The Nevada

Decided November 27, 1882

106 U.S. 154

Syllabus

1. An ocean steamer starting from a crowded slip, the motion of her propeller caused a canal boat to break her fastenings and swing around against the propeller, whereby she was sunk. The steamer had no lookout at her stern, by whom the peril of the canal boat might have been seen in time to stop the propeller and prevent the collision. Held that the steamer was in fault.

2. Towage should be employed, when necessary to enable a large steamer to leave a crowded slip or harbor without damaging other vessels.

3. Steamers and locomotives should be so managed and operated as to do the least possible injury consistent with their substantial usefulness.

4. Those in charge of the canal boat in this case having done all that reasonable prudence required of them by properly fastening their boat were held free from blame.

The case is stated in the opinion of the Court.