If a vessel, through the negligence of the persons having it in charge, or through their neglect to comply with such ordinances or by-laws, or disregard of the directions of such draw tender, injures a bridge or draw, or a pier or wharf connected therewith, the owner of such vessel shall be liable to the individual or body politic or corporate having control of said bridge, for the damage, to be recovered in tort.
Massachusetts Legal Code