§761. Right of action; where and by whom brought

Whenever the death of a person shall be caused by wrongful act, neglect, or default occurring on the high seas beyond a marine league from the shore of any State, or the District of Columbia, or the Territories or dependencies of the United States, the personal representative of the decedent may maintain a suit for damages in the district courts of the United States, in admiralty, for the exclusive benefit of the decedent's wife, husband, parent, child, or dependent relative against the vessel, person, or corporation which would have been liable if death had not ensued.

(Mar. 30, 1920, ch. 111, §1, 41 Stat. 537 .)

Short Title

Act Mar. 30, 1920, ch. 111, which enacted this chapter, is popularly know as the "Death on the High Seas Act".

Cross References

Death of plaintiff pending action, see section 765 of this Appendix.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in section 765 of this Appendix.