PVT FLORA

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Dockworker sues ship owner for USD 5.2 million after coal pier collision

The Baltimore Sun on Feb. 19, 2013 reported that a CSX Transportation dockworker who says he suffered disabling injuries last August when a tanker collided with a Curtis Bay pier has filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit in US District Court against the shipping company. According to the suit, filed David Rienas of Abingdon was atop a coal loading machine on the Bayside Coal Pier when the Wawasan Ruby struck, causing it to be dragged down the pier with great force. Rienas, 42, is asking the court for USD 5.2 million as compensation for back, neck and rib injuries that have kept him from working and have, he says, caused him permanent injuries "including mental anguish, fright and emotional distress and disfigurement." The suit alleged the crew of Wawasan Ruby, owned by Panama based Trio Happiness SA was guilty of incompetence, speeding and failing to maintain a lookout or use radar. Rienas also expects to file a claim against the vessel for compensation under maritime law.

CSX coal pier damaged in allision

The CSX Corp. coal pier in Baltimore remained out of service for the foreseeable future after the "Wawasan Ruby" caused substantial damage when hitting the structure on Aug 25, 2012, at 12.40 p.m. The Bayside Coal Pier, on Benhill Avenue in Curtis Bay, was struck when the tanker headed for a dock up the channel. One employee was injured in the incident, hospitalized and later released. Underway from the Chesapeake Bay to the Bitumar Asphalt Dock the ship seemes to have missed the channel on the turn. The damage rendered the coal pier and all equipment associated with loading vessels inoperable. The "Wawasan Ruby" caused more than $5 million in damage, both to the property and in revenue loss. However, the other pier at the Curtis Bay coal facility, intended for smaller vessels, was not damaged. CSX is currently evaluating repair requirements at the Bayside pier and is working with customers on interim delivery alternatives. It was unclear how long repairs might take, but it might be as long as 3-4 months. Inchcape Shipping Services warned customers this week not to expect a quick reopening. CSX, fearing the ship would leave before it could pursue a claim, won a court order that temporarily detained the vessel. The U.S. District Court in Baltimore allowed the "Wawasan Ruby" to continue on to Antwerp on Aug 27 only after its owner provided a letter of undertaking guaranteeing payment if CSX wins a judgment. Investigations so far did not find a defect with the vessel and no problem or mistake by the vessel's officers and crew according to an attorney representing the ship and its owner. The vessel was under the control of a member of the Association of Maryland Pilots when the accident happened.The Coast Guard inspected the vessel immediately after the accident and also found no problems. Report with photos: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/breaking/bs-bz-ship-hits-pier-20120830,0,2736506.story