NEW ORLEANS— The Port of New Orleans is suing an insurance company for damages it received when a tugboat crashed into some of its pilings in 2012.
The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans filed suit against GMC H/M Underwriting Pool 2012 Companies and Interests in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Aug. 16.
The plaintiff claims that the defendant, as insurer for bankrupt Lumar Marine Inc., the owner/operator of the Tug Tako Renegade, is responsible for the damages related to the incident.
The defendant boat, the Tug Tako Renegade, allegedly collided with the Nashville Avenue wharf on Aug. 22, 2012. Captain Tony Junot, described as a 22-year tugboat captain, claimed he experienced difficulty in keeping the vessel away from the wharf due to wind and current conditions despite attempts to correct the vessel’s course.
An unspecified amount in damages to four metal pilings and two wooden pilings is sought from the insurers due the owner’s bankrupt status at the time of the incident.
The plaintiff is represented by Joseph W. Fritz Jr., attorney for the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans.
The case has been assigned to Division I Judge Piper D. Griffin.
Case no. 2013-07746.
Insurance company sued for damages wrought by a renegade tugboat
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