46 U.S.C. § 4705: Liability of barge removal contractors

(a) A barge removal contractor and its subcontractor are not liable for damages that result from actions taken or omitted to be taken in the course of removing a barge under this subchapter. (b) Subsection (a) does not apply—(1) with respect to personal injury or wrongful death; or (2) if the contractor or subcontractor is grossly negligent or engages in willful misconduct.