NEW ORLEANS – The owner of an oil storage and transfer facility in Jefferson Parish alleges it was damaged because of two vessels.
John W. Stone Oil Distributor LLC, Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s, London, ACE American Insurance Co. and National Fire & Marine Insurance Co. filed a complaint on May 15 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Penn Maritime Inc., Bisso Towboat Co. Inc., Towing Vessel Lucia, Barge Caribbean and Towing Vessel William S alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that in Jan. 15, 2016, plaintiff Stones' oil storage and transfer facility was damaged when the Lucia and Caribbean allided with a barge. As a result of defendants' alleged negligence, the plaintiffs claim they suffered more than $1 million in damages.
The plaintiffs hold Penn Maritime Inc., Bisso Towboat Co. Inc., Towing Vessel Lucia, Barge Caribbean and Towing Vessel William S responsible because the defendants allegedly failed to properly plan and communicate the maneuver their vessels.
The plaintiffs seek judgment against defendants for general and equitable relief, plus interest, all cost incurred for these proceedings and all other relief as the court may deem just and proper. They are represented by J. Daniel Picou and T. Justin Simpson of Larzelere Picou Wells Simpson Lonero LLC in Metairie.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Case number 2:17-cv-04942