A group of four individuals is suing a Greek maritime employer doing business in Louisiana and its vessel, alleging damages in a 2012 offshore collision which the plaintiffs claim resulted in permanent injuries.
Anthony Kinh Tran of Jefferson Parish; Hong Van Nguyen of Harris County, Texas; Hoang V. Tran of Orleans Parish; and Minh Van Nguyen of St. Bernard Parish filed an admiralty and general maritime claim against Sun Enterprises Ltd. of Piraeus, Greece, and the Bahaman marine vessel Ioannis Zafirakis, also known as the Ioannis Zafirakis Nassau, in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana on Aug. 3, alleging negligence in the August 2012 mishap.
According to the complaint, all plaintiffs were aboard another vessel, the Captain Michael, on or about Aug. 4, 2012. The suits states that the bulk carrier Ioannis Zafirakis negligently collided with their boat while allegedly traveling at excessive speed in a congested area off the Louisiana coast.
The plaintiffs aver that the vessel and its crew failed to yield the right of way to their vessel, observe the vessel in time to avoid impact, exercise due caution, and have a designated lookout person.
The suit states that the defendant navigated recklessly; neglected to screen, test and supervise their employees, hired an incompetent or reckless captain, and failed to implement safety procedures.
The plaintiffs request damages for pain, suffering, discomfort, anguish, lost wages and earning capacity, medical expenses, property damage, and general impairment.
Seeking injunctive relief in the form of a lien against the defendant’s vessel to satisfy their claims, specific and general damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney’s fees, expenses, and court costs, the plaintiffs are represented by Anh Quang Cao and Ryan Beasley of the Cao Law Firm in Harvey, La.
U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Louisiana Case 2:15-cv-03196-JTM-KWR