Crockett v. The Steamboat Isaac Newton, 59 U.S. 581 (1855)
U.S. Supreme Court
Crockett v. The Steamboat Isaac Newton, 59 U.S. 18 How. 581 581 (1855)
Crockett v. The Steamboat Isaac Newton
59 U.S. (18 How.) 581
Syllabus
The general rule is for a sailing vessel meeting a steamer to keep her course while the steamer takes the necessary measures to avoid a collision.
And though this rule should not be observed when the circumstances are such that it is apparent its observance must occasion a collision, while a departure from it will prevent one, yet it must be a strong case which puts the sailing vessel in the wrong for obeying the rule.
The present is not such a strong case, and therefore the steamer must be condemned in the damages and costs resulting from a collision between herself and a sailing vessel.
In the first case, the libellants were owners of the schooner Hero, of Maine, and in the second case, Lord was the owner of a cargo of corn and flour laden on board of The Hero, bound from New York to Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
The circumstances of the collision are set forth in the opinion of the Court.
The district court dismissed the libels with costs, which decree was affirmed in the circuit court.