Title 46 — ShippingRelease 119-73not60
§30914 Release of Privately Owned Vessel After Arrest or Attachment
Title 46 › Subtitle Subtitle III— Maritime Liability › Chapter 309— SUITS IN ADMIRALTY AGAINST THE UNITED STATES › § 30914
Summary
The U.S. must release a vessel seized over alleged U.S. control without bond if, through the Attorney General, it says it is interested, asks for the vessel’s release, and accepts responsibility for any judgment. The lawsuit then continues against the U.S.
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 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60