Title 46 — ShippingRelease 119-73

§30914 Release of privately owned vessel after arrest or attachment

Title 46 › Subtitle Subtitle III— - Maritime Liability › Chapter CHAPTER 309— - SUITS IN ADMIRALTY AGAINST THE UNITED STATES › § 30914

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

If a privately owned boat is seized in a lawsuit tied to its past ownership, possession, or use by the U.S. government or a federal corporation, it must be released without a bond if the U.S., through the Attorney General or another authorized government lawyer, files a statement saying the government is involved, wants the boat released, and will pay any judgment the plaintiff gets. After the boat is released, the lawsuit continues against the United States under the rules in this chapter.

Full Legal Text

Title 46, §30914

Shipping — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

If a privately owned vessel not in the possession of the United States or a federally-owned corporation is arrested or attached in a civil action arising or alleged to have arisen from prior ownership, possession, or operation by the United States or corporation, the vessel shall be released without bond or stipulation on a statement by the United States, through the Attorney General or other authorized law officer, that the United States is interested in the action, desires release of the vessel, and assumes liability for the satisfaction of any judgment obtained by the plaintiff. After the vessel is released, the action shall proceed against the United States in accordance with this chapter.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 3091446 App.:744.Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, § 4, 41 Stat. 526. The words “on a statement” are substituted for “upon the suggestion” as more appropriate.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

46 U.S.C. § 30914

Title 46 — Shipping

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73