NEW ORLEANS – A Louisiana company is suing the owners and insurers of a vessel over allegedly causing an accident on the Mississippi River.
Entergy Louisiana LLC filed a lawsuit on March 7 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against the towing vessel Laurie S. Johnston, her engines, tackle, apparel, bunkers, etc.; SCF Waxler Marine LLC; ABC Protection and Indemnity Insurance Co.; and XYZ Hull and Machinery Insurance Co., citing negligence.
According to the complaint, the Laurie S. Johnston is owned and operated by SCF Waxler Marine under the insurance protection of ABC and XYZ Hull. The plaintiff claims that on March 7, 2015, an allision occurred in the Mississippi River as a result of the navigation of the vessel when it went out of control and her barges in tow came in contact with the plaintiff’s water intake dolphins at the Waterford Power Plant at Killona, causing extensive damage.
The plaintiff avers that the damages resulting from the incident were a direct result of the unseaworthiness of the Laurie S. Johnston, its negligent navigation, and failure to properly man and equip the vessel.
Entergy Louisiana LLC seeks the amount of its damages, together with interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. It is represented by Thomas Kent Morrison and Meredith W. Blanque of Phelps Dunbar LLP in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Case number 2:16-cv-01942-CJB-DEK