Seaman sues over unpaid wages

Several seamen are suing their employer in an attempt to obtain unpaid wages and to penalize the employer for each day the seamen's wages allegedly remain unpaid.

Wayne Guidry, Richard Defrates, Gary Howell, Gregory A. Griffin, Jr., Keith Charles and Christopher Barrow filed suit against Offshore Marine, M/V Hanna B, Her Engines, Tackle, Appurtenances Equipment, in rem on Nov. 18 in federal court in New Orleans.

The men state that they have made several requests for payment from the owner of Offshore Marine to no avail.

Howell states he is owed $6,200 for 29 days of work at $225 per day. Griffin states he is owed $8,200 for 44 days of work at $200 per day. Guidry claims he is owed $825 for three days of work at $275 per day. Charles claims he is owed $3,000 for 24 days of work at $125 per day. Barrow claims he is owed $3,000 for 27 days of work at $125 per day. Defrates states he is owed $2,025 for nine days at $275 per day.

The men are asking for a penalty of double wages for each day that they remain unpaid, plus an award of costs and interest.

The seamen are represented by John D. Schoonenberg and Barry J. Boudreaux of Henderson, Reilly and Boudreaux of Houma.

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10-cv-04356