NEW ORLEANS – A Norwegian marine insurance company says a vessel it insured was struck by another craft, resulting in damages estimated at more than $3 million.
The Norwegian Hull Club (NHC) filed a lawsuit Nov. 5 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against the motor vessel Hos Beaufort.
According to the complaint, on June 24, 2011, the Hos Beaufort collided with the sailing school vessel Iolair in international waters off the Mexican coast. The NHC says a U.S. Coast Guard investigation found that the Hos Beaufort’s U.S. crew failed to post lookouts and other necessary precautions to determine the collision risk. As a result of the crew’s negligence, the suit says the Iolair suffered extensive damage to its port side aft bracing and lower deck.
NHC seeks the seizure of the Hos Beaufort, and the sale of her engines, tackle, apparel, and so on to cover damages to the Iolair that could ultimately total up to $10 million.
The plaintiff is represented by New Orleans attorneys Michael M. Butterworth, Gary A. Hemphill and David J. Saltaformaggio of Phelps Dunbar LLP.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana case number 2:15-cv-05718