Construction company seeks payment for missing anchors

NEW ORLEANS – A local construction company wants to solve the mystery of its missing anchor and recoup expenses for its loss.

River Construction Inc. filed suit against Rhodia Inc. in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on July 10.

River Construction claims that Rhodia failed to return one of two rented anchors and their accompanying load blocks and failed to satisfy invoices for past due balances of $15,600.00 and $18,000.00 for the rental periods of 13 months and 15 months respectively.

River Construction alleges to have entered into a verbal agreement on or about May 13, 2011 with Rhodia. At that time, Rhodia was attempting to recover and salvage a walkway that had fallen into the Mississippi River and enlisted the help of River Construction. The plaintiff claims they were unsuccessful in removing the walkway from the river, and in the attempt, they lost control of their barge's lift and load, which forced the operators to cut the load cable from the crane. The plaintiff then alleges they attached two anchors to stabilize the walkway, which were meant to stay in the water until such a time when the walkway could be removed. River Construction asserts they were not properly paid for the use of the anchors.

The defendant is accused of non-payment of invoiced charges for rental of two anchors and load blocks and failure to return one anchor.

An unspecified amount in damages, though not exceeding $75,000, is sought for the value of the missing anchor and load blocks, plus past due rent on those items, attorney fees, and other damages.

River Construction, Inc. is represented by attorney John D. Sileo of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division N Judge Ethel S. Julien.

Case no. 2013-06396.