The Paquete Habana
United States Supreme Court
175 U.S. 677 (1900)
Relevant factsFree
Two Spanish-owned fishing boats, including the Paquete Habana (plaintiff), routinely fished off Havana; during the Spanish-American War, the United States blockaded Cuba, and the boats -- unaware of the war or blockade, carrying only fresh fish and no weapons -- were captured as prizes of war when they tried to reach their usual port. The district court ruled the ships and their cargo were valid prizes of war, and the owners appealed.
IssueFree
Whether, under international law, unarmed coastal fishing vessels peacefully engaged in catching and transporting fish are exempt from capture as prizes of war.