The Tugboat Border War
A British tug is seized by U.S. authorities for towing a ship through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, triggering an international violation of maritime law.
The steamer Monticello brought news from Port Angeles this evening that the British tug Lorne, of Victoria, has been seized there for engaging in the coastwise trade. The Lorne took the bark McNear, bound from San Francisco to Puget Sound, in tow off Cape Flattery and towed her into Port Angeles. The bark being engaged in coastwise trade, the collector held that the Lorne was violating the United States maritime laws in towing the vessel. The customs officials seized the tug and a fine of $500 was imposed.
“The collector held that the Lorne was violating the United States maritime laws in towing the vessel.”
Maritime trade in the Salish Sea has long been subject to intense regulation and international disputes. This incident reflects the era's protectionist enforcement of the Jones Act and the ongoing friction between Canadian and U.S. shipping interests.
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