Deckhand sues after vessel capsizes

NEW ORLEANS - A deckhand has filed a lawsuit against his employer claiming he suffered injuries when the vessel he was aboard capsized after another vessel’s massive wave caused it to strike an underwater object.

Chad Dardar filed suit against Nature’s Way Marine, M/V Nature’s Way Commander, in rem, Crown Point Holdings and C & J of Crown Point on Sept. 10 in federal court in New Orleans.

Dardar was working as a deckhand on the M/V Port Gibson when the alleged incident occurred on March 17, 2012. According to the lawsuit, Dardar was sleeping aboard the vessel when it began to take on water, suddenly turned over and capsized. In the process of escaping the vessel, Dardar suffered injuries to his shoulder and lower back joints.

The defendant M/V Nature’s Way Commander is accused of negligence for striking a barge and  then, in attempting to dislodge its tow, creating massive wave action which broke the M/V Port Gibson and Dredge Buccaneer loose from their moorings, causing them to strike an underwater object, which then led to the capsizing of the Port Gibson.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of more than $48,000 in damages for pain and suffering, temporary partial disability, psychological trauma, lost wages, maintenance payments, court costs, and interest.

Dardar is represented by Gretna attorney Brian C. Beckwith.

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:13-cv-05792