The Raithmoor, 241 U.S. 166 (1916)

The Raithmoor*


No. 24


Argued January 26, 1916
Decided May 1, 1916
241 U.S. 166

APPEAL FROM THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA

Syllabus

In determining whether the admiralty has jurisdiction over an incompleted structure in navigable waters to be used when completed as a governmental aid to navigation, its location and purpose are controlling from the time it was begun.

The jurisdiction that admiralty has over an incompleted structure in course of construction extends to that which is a mere incident to such construction.

The admiralty has jurisdiction of a libel in rem against a vessel for damages caused by its colliding with an incompleted beacon in course of construction in and surrounded by navigable waters and which, when completed, is to be used solely as a governmental aid to navigation.

186 F. 849 reversed in part.

The facts, which involve the jurisdiction in admiralty of the district court of a libel in rem against a vessel for damages caused by its colliding with an incompleted beacon in navigable water, are stated in the opinion.