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Tuna Boat Owners Launch Aus$ 28 Million Lawsuit ff

14 October 2010 Australia

Source: Adelaide Now

The owners of a tuna fishing vessel which sunk after being hit by a bulk grain carrier at Port Lincoln early this month have launched a $28 million lawsuit against its captain and crew.


Documents tendered with the Supreme Court claim the negligence of the Grand Rodosi’s master and crew caused the vessel, the Apollo S, to sink to the bottom of Boston Bay.

Grand Rodosi was being guided by two tug boats to berth at Port Lincoln when it smashed into the port side of the 47m-long tuna boat, scuttling the vessel.

The documents claim the owners, Australian Fishing Enterprises, should be compensated $20 million for the sunken boat, $4 million for “costs relating to the replacement of the vessel for fishing activities”, and another $4 million for economic loss and salvage.

The owners have asked the court to issue an arrest warrant on the ship, which would prevent it from returning home to Liberia.