ELR Citation: ELR 20310
No(s). 71-20- (D. Md. Nov 10, 1971)

A federal statute which limits the liability of a shipowner for the acts of his ship to the value of his interest in the vessel bars full recovery by the state under a state statute for damages resulting from an oil spill in Baltimore Harbor. The damages suffered by private individuals—including costs incurred in attempting to clean up the oil—are likewise limited to the value of the owner's interest.

Counsel for Harbor Towing Corporation
Randall C. Coleman
John T. Ward
Ober, Grimes & Shriver
1600 Maryland National Band Building
10 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

Counsel for Humble Oil & Refining Company
Lewis A. Noonberg
Paul V. Niemeyer
Piper & Marbury
900 First National Bank Building
Light and Redwood Streets
Baltimore, MD 21202

Counsel for the State of Maryland
Francis B. Burch Attorney General
Warren K. Rich
Thomas M. Downs
Thomas Kenney, Jr. Asst. Attorneys General
Annapolis, MD

Counsel for Ronald O'Bitz and Betty Jane O'Bitz
Eugene I. Glazer
Barry R. Glazer
Tower Building
Baltimore, MD

Counsel for Cottage Grove Beach, Inc.
George E. Brown, Jr.
Munsey Building
Baltimore, MD