GRETNA – A Jefferson Parish contractor is suing a vessel, a Westwego-based welding company and their insurers for allegedly sinking a barge in an accident.
Joseph A. Dardar filed suit against Tom's Welding Services, Inc., National Casualty Company, American Alternative Insurance Corporation and M/V Rebel Hustler in the 24th Judicial District Court on Oct. 11. Dardar claims that M/V Rebel Hustler was towing his barge along with equipment aboard it that was being used by Tom's Welding when it struck a submerged object and sank. The plaintiff alleges that although the barge was clearly taking on water, the defendants did not get it to shallow water.
The defendant is accused of negligence for allowing the barge to sink.
Damages in an amount between $295,000-330,000 are sought for the loss of the barge and its equipment.
Dardar is represented by Gretna-based attorney Overton T. Harrington.
The case has been assigned to Division G Judge Robert A. Pitre.
Case no. 719-943.