United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

Ure v. Coffman, 60 U.S. 19 How. 56 56 (1856)

Ure v. Coffman

60 U.S. (19 How.) 56

Syllabus

Where a flatboat which was fastened to the bank of the Mississippi River at night was run down and sunk by a steamer, the circumstances show that the steamer was in fault, and must be responsible for the loss.

It was not necessary for the flatboat, in the position which it occupied, to show a light during the night.

When a boat or vessel of any kind is fastened for the night at a landing place to which other boats may have occasion to make a landing in the night, it is certainly prudent for her position to be designated lay a light, on her own account

Page 60 U. S. 57

as well as that the vessel making a landing may have light to do so. But when a vessel is tied to the bank of a river, not in a port or harbor, or at a place of landing out of the line of customary navigation, there is no occasion for her to show a light, nor has it ever been required that she should do so.

This was a case of collision which occurred in the Mississippi River about fifty-five miles above New Orleans.

The narrative of the case is given in the opinion of the Court.

The district court decreed in favor of the owners of the flatboat, who were the libellants, in the sum of $3,416.15, with five percent interest from the 24th of December, 1853, until paid, and costs.

Upon an appeal to the circuit court, this decree was affirmed, whereupon the claimants of the Gipsey appealed to this Court.

Page 60 U. S. 59