A Louisiana woman is suing over claims she was injured in the March 22 ship collision in Galveston Bay.
Sandrica Garrett filed a lawsuit April 11 in the Galveston County Court against Kirby Inland Marine LP and Cleopatra Shipping Agency Ltd., citing negligence.
On March 22, a collision occurred between a barge being pushed by the M/V Miss Susan and the 585-foot bulk carrier, M/V Summer Wind. As a result of the collision, the barge’s hull and tank were breached resulting in a large spill of marine fuel oil (also known as special bunker). The barge also sank to the bottom of the channel and was partially submerged. The channel was closed for several days.
According to the complaint, Garrett was employed by Kirby as a seaman on the M/V Miss Susan on March 22, when it collided with the M/V Summer Wind, owned by Cleopatra.
Garrett says she sustained injuries to her back, shoulders and eyes in the collision. Both companies are accused of failing to supervise their respective crews, according to the complaint.
Garrett is seeking more than $1 million in damages.
She is being represented in the case by attorneys Jason A. Itkin, Cory D. Itkin and Noah M. Wexler of Arnold & Itkin LLP.
As the Record previously reported, several suits have been filed over the collision.
First, a group of commercial fishermen claimed the crash and subsequent oil spill harmed their businesses.
3G Fishing Charters LLC, Launch Waterfront Eatery LLC, Galveston Fishing Charter Co., Matt Garner doing business as All American Fishing Charters, 3G Bait and Tackle Shop LLC, Sammy Flores doing business as Salt Water Soul, Adam Kleczkowski, Greg Verm doing business as Fishing Galveston Texas, Caroline Cope and Scott Moss doing business as Bayou Bait Camp and Scotty’s Crabs filed the suit against Kirby Inland Marine LP and Cleopatra Shipping Agency Ltd. on March 24 in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas.
Then, a group of Texas cruise passengers filed suit over damages sustained when the ship's departure date was postponed due to the closing of the ship channel. Passengers of the Caribbean Princess are suing for damages the delay in departure caused.
William John Patton, Sydney Langley and Pam and Claude Cage, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a lawsuit March 28 in the Galveston County District Court against Cleopatra Shipping Agency Ltd. and Kirby Inland Marine LP, citing gross negligence and willful misconduct.
After being hit with suits itself, Kirby Inland Marine went after Cleopatra Shipping in a suit of its own.
Kirby Inland Marine LP filed a lawsuit April 4 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against M/V Summer Wind, her engines, tackles, etc., Sea Galaxy S.A. and Cleopatra Shipping Agency Ltd, citing negligence.
The plaintiff claims the defendant’s vessel, the M/V Summer Wind collided with Kirby Barge 27706, 27705 and M/V Miss Susan on March 22, in the Houston Ship Channel.
According to the suit, after the barges collided a portion of the product contained in the Kirby Barge 27706 was released into the waterway and there was damage done to both Kirby Barges. The suit alleges as a result of the collision, Kirby has incurred losses, damages and expenses exceeding $10 million.
Galveston County Court Case No. CV-0071917
SUITS FILED OVER THE MARCH 22 SHIP CHANNEL COLLISION
March 24
3G Fishing Charters LLC et al vs Kirby Inland Marine LP and Cleopatra Shipping Agency Ltd.
Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas
Simon-O-Rourke Law Firm PC
Case 3:14-cv-00107
March 28
William John Patton, et al vs Kirby Inland Marine LP and Cleopatra Shipping Agency Ltd.
Galveston County District Court
Spivey & Grigg LLP in Austin
Case No. 14-CV-00113
April 4
Kirby Inland Marine LP vs Cleopatra Shipping Agency Ltd. et al
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas
Stepp & Sullivan PC in Houston
Case No. 4:14-cv-00878
April 11
Sandrica Garrett vs Kirby Inland Marine LP and Cleopatra Shipping Agency Ltd.
Galveston County District Court
Arnold & Itkin LLP in Houston
Case No. CV-0071917
Marilyn Tennissen contributed to this story.