A ship under arrest? Warrant issued after crash caused over $40 million in damage, Ingalls says

[TexasTowelie]

A warrant is out for the arrest of a ship involved in a crash at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula last month.

The arrest warrant was issued Monday by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi in Gulfport for the heavy-lift ship MV Hawk.

Officials are directed to arrest the ship, “her tackle, apparel, furniture, engines and appurtenances should you find her within this district, and to detail her in your custody pending further order of the court.”

The Hawk is owned by Offshore Heavy Transport of Oslo, Norway, and is managed by Songa Shipmanagement.

Read more: https://www.sunherald.com/news/business/article229467349.html

[TomSlick]

1. Cool use of the word, huh?

Under admiralty law, a vessel is arrested if it is seized to initiate an "in rem" (i.e. against the property) suit. When a vessel is arrested, the US Marshals seize the vessel pursuant to an order from the judge or clerk.

The vessel is often responsible for liability arising from its operation. The arrest of the vessel is a prerequisite for the federal court to acquire jurisdiction. Admiralty law is "unique" and not a little arcane.