A compensation claim has been brought by businesses and individuals for disruption caused by the $850m wreck removal of the car carrier Golden Ray.
The wreck was finally taken from Brunswick, Georgia, in late 2021, after two years aground. The huge salvage operation became shipping’s second-costliest wreck removal.
More than 20 claimants in the US District Court in Brunswick, including commercial fishermen, shrimpers and recreational businesses, allege that oil pollution and other disruptions, including a fire, during the wreck removal caused loss of income.
They want the waters around St Simons Sound, and marshland, to be restored, and they are seeking to be compensated for financial loss caused by the operation.
Claimants are alleging negligence under maritime law. They claim the wreck removal caused a public nuisance that involved hazardous activity.
Among the parties named in the claim are the vessel’s owner and operator, Hyundai Glovis, and salvage company T&T Salvage.
The 7,700-ceu Golden Ray (built 2017) grounded on its port side in St Simons Sound on 8 September 2019 after a quick 68-degree turn to starboard that the harbour pilot and crew were unable to correct, according to a report by the US National Transportation Safety Board.
The ship, carrying more than 4,100 cars, was found not to be properly balanced and the crash left four crew trapped in the engine room for more than 40 hours before being rescued.
The wreck removal costs were met mostly by the North P&I Club and through the International Group of P&I Clubs’ reinsurance programme.
