Title 46, ShippingRelease 119-102
§30914 Release of Privately Owned Vessel After Arrest or Attachment
Title 46 › Subtitle III — Maritime Liability › CHAPTER 309 — SUITS IN ADMIRALTY AGAINST THE UNITED STATES › § 30914
Summary
A private vessel held in suit saying prior U.S. ownership, possession, or operation must be released without bond if the U.S., through an authorized officer, says it is involved, wants release, and will pay any judgment; the suit proceeds against U.S. under 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
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102