Father sues shipping outfit for son’s disappearance at sea

A father brought suit against a Greek maritime operation alleging his son’s disappearance at sea in 2015.

Vassilis Nakis, individually and as representative for the estate of Anastasios Nakis, filed against Efshipping Co. S.A. Panama of Piraeus, Greece; and the M/V Ingrid C in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas May 14, claiming negligence in the April disappearance of Anastasios Nakis.

The vessel is a bulk carrier that docks in the Port of Houston.

According to court documents, Anastasios Nakis, a crewmember employed by the defendant aboard the M/V Ingrid C since November 2014, was last seen on or about April 12, 2015, en route to the Port of Manzanillo, Mexico in the Pacific Ocean.

Vassilis Nakis stated that he last spoke by telephone to Anastasios on April 11. According to the grievance, a representative of the defendant informed the plaintiff on the April 13 that his son was missing as of April 12.

Despite search efforts by the Mexican Navy, the seaman was not found and is presumed dead. Vassilis Nakis states that Efshipping refuses to cooperate further, supposedly claiming that their investigation is being conducted in secrecy.

The plaintiff cites the defendant on several counts of violations of the Jones Act, including unseaworthiness of the vessel and general maritime negligence. The suit also requests that the vessel be arrested, condemned and sold to pay for damages.

Citing social and pecuniary loss, the plaintiff seeks compensation for damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney’s fees, expenses and costs.

The plaintiff is represented by Douglas T. Gilman of Gilman*Allison, Pearland.

Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case 4:15-cv-01288