Kulukundis

This appeal is from a decree awarding libellant Strand a judgment of $10,000 for injuries suffered aboard a vessel owned by appellant.

Strand was one of a number of longshoremen employed by an independent contractor, W. J. Jones & Son, to “line”’ appellant’s ship, the Stathes J. Yannaghas. “Lining” requires the installation of a temporary wooden bulkhead in the hold of the vessel preparatory to the reception of a bulk grain cargo. Strand and another longshoreman, Ramsby, were assigned the task of raising and lowering into hold No. 4 the tools and timbers which were to be used in constructing the bulkhead. For this purpose it was necessary to build a platform by covering up the ’tween deck hatch. This is accomplished by first securing across the open hatch strongbacks or cross-beams to which are attached a T-shaped flange, and then placing the hatch covers in position between the strongbacks with the ends resting on the horizontal flange and against the vertical flange. In building the platform it is necessary to start along the coaming at the sides of the hatch and lay the covers tier by tier, working toward the center of the hatch to a point where a sufficient open space will be…