United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

Hellenic Lines Ltd. v. Rhoditis, 398 U.S. 306 (1970)

Hellenic Lines Ltd. v. Rhoditis

No. 661

Argued April 21, 1970

Decided June 8, 1970

398 U.S. 306

Syllabus

Respondent, a Greek seaman employed under a Greek contract, sought recovery under the Jones Act for injuries sustained on a ship of Greek registry while in American territorial waters. The vessel is operated by petitioner Greek corporation, which has its largest office in New York and another office in New Orleans and more than 95% of whose stock is owned by a United States domiciliary, who is a Greek citizen. The income of the ship, which operates between the United States and the Middle East, is from cargo either originating or terminating in the United States. The District Court rendered judgment for respondent. The Court of Appeals affirmed.

Held: In the totality of the circumstances of this case, which is factually distinguishable from Lauritzen v. Larsen, 345 U. S. 571, the .Jones Act is applicable, the alien owner's substantial and continuing contacts with this country outweighing other factors against the Act's applicability here. Pp. 398 U. S. 307-310.

412 F.2d 919, affirmed

Page 398 U. S. 307