Transportation company sued after vessel allegedly rams, damages barges on Mississippi River

GRETNA – A local construction company is suing a transport company over a collision on the Mississippi River that damaged their property.

Kostmayer Construction LLC filed suit against Marquette Transportation Company LLC in the 24th Judicial District Court on March 13.

Kostmayer Construction claims that on Sept. 22, 2014 a barge it owns as well as another barge charged by them were violently struck by the M/V Blake Denton, a vessel owned and operated by Marquette Transportation Company, that was pushing 35 barges on the Mississippi River. The plaintiff alleges their barges were ripped from the dock at which they were moored and floated down the river until an unreeled tow boat pushed them to the river bank. Kostmayer Construction contends their property was damaged in the incident.

The defendant is accused of allowing their vessel to be manned by incompetent people, failing to maintain control of their tow and negligence in violation of good seamanship standards.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for reimbursement for repairs, loss of use, down time, loss of profits and other expenses.

Kostmayer Construction is represented by Preston L. Hayes of Metairie-based Chehardy, Sherman, Ellis, Murray, Recile, Griffith, Stakleum & Hayes LLP.

The case has been assigned to Division N Judge Stephen C. Grefer.

Case no. 747-639.