Galveston company sues over ship lost on Bolivar Peninsula during hurricane

GALVESTON - A Galveston welding company is seeking $270,000 in damages from a Bolivar Peninsula maritime company it claims mishandled one of their ships.

According to a lawsuit filed Nov. 10 in Galveston County Court, Port Bolivar Marine Services Inc. failed to properly tie the M/V Marlies down prior to Hurricane Ike in September 2008.

The case shows that Reama Inc., which is doing business as G&M Welding, hired the defendant to perform certain repairs on the ship in question as well as provide a safe place for it.

The M/V Marlies was anchored on a dry dock located upon the defendant's property, and the plaintiff agreed to pay for the work and $350 a month for storage, it says.

"The boat was in full custody and control of the defendant," the original petition states.

Ike made landfall in between Galveston's East End and the western tip of the Bolivar Peninsula on Sept. 13, inflicting damages to numerous residences and businesses.

The defendant's premises was not spared the Category 2 hurricane's wrath as the storm caused the M/V Marlies to be dislodged and lost at sea only to be found at Smith Point and held for salvage, the suit says.

Consequently, the plaintiff seeks restitution to cover a salvage fee, physical damages, losses, repair costs, and attorney's fees.

Galveston attorney George D. Martin is representing Reama, and the case has been assigned to Galveston County 10th District Court Judge David Garner.

Case No. 09CV2075