Question

John works on a dredge that removes dirt and silt from bottom of Shiloh River. This is basically a "crane" sitting on a platform that is barely moveable. He is injured by another vessel striking the dredge while he was operating it. Can his lawsuit be heard by a court with admiralty jurisdiction?

a. No, rivers are not "navigable water" such as an ocean or sea.

b. Yes, if the river is "navigable water." Dredge is a "vessel."

c. No, if dredge was within 50 feet of land his injury is not a "maritime tort."

d. No, if his negligence contributed to his injury.

Answer 1

Answer- Option B

Yes, the lawsuit can be heard by a court with admirality jurisdiction .

The case should be heard under the law of MARITIME TORT which clearly states that the suit can be filed by the party in the case where injury, loss or damage is caused to a person or their interests in a maritime setting by act or negligence of another party. So, the lawsuit can be heard.