JANET C. HALL, District Judge.
Plaintiffs Cliff Crowley ("Crowley"), as the owner of the yacht "Moondance," and
The plaintiffs' Complaint is in four counts: the first is for exoneration of their liability; the second and third are for declaratory judgment as to the value of Costa's pier; the fourth is for limitation of the plaintiffs' liability. See Am. Compl. (Doc. No. 10). The court dismissed Counts One and Four on April 26, 2012, 2012 WL 1450607 (Doc. No. 87) and converted (without objection) Counts Two and Three into affirmative defenses to Costa's counterclaim for damages. See (Doc. No. 99). Therefore, the remaining cause of action consists of Costa's counterclaim for damage to the pier caused by Crowley's conduct.
The plaintiffs assert three affirmative defenses to the counterclaim: failure to state a cause of action; they were not responsible for the loss; and their liability was limited to the value of the Moondance.
On October 25, 2008, the Moondance struck the pier on Angelo Costa's property, located at 98 Grovers Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. The Moondance, a 44 foot Swan sailboat, belonged to Cliff Crowley. Costa's pier measured 320 feet in length and was built in 1957. Costa's permit, however, only permitted Costa to construct a 160 foot pier. Angelo Costa periodically repaired the pier, spending approximately $50,000 on repairs between 1976 and 1996. In addition, until early 2000, Costa employed a man to undertake various upkeep and repairs around the house, including to the dock. He performed such tasks as replacing handrails or wooden decking, but he did not replace any of the large timbers or stringers.
Crowley has been a member of Black Rock Yacht Club since 1994. He purchased the Moondance in 2005, and kept it moored in Black Rock Harbor, which is in
The Moondance was attached to its mooring by an 800 pound mushroom anchor connected by two links of chain to a mooring ball — the top chain was one half inch, the bottom chain five-eighths of an inch. The City of Bridgeport Harbormaster Mooring Rules and Regulations sets forth minimum requirements for mooring tackle, which the Moondance moorings met except for the top and bottom chains. The regulations seek to minimize or prevent the occurrence of vessels breaking free of their moorings. Vessels do break free of their moorings. Boats break free of their moorings when there is constant rubbing through the chock,
The Rules and Regulations set forth a minimum requirement of three-quarter inch top and bottom chain for a 41 to 50 foot long boat. The Moondance had a five-eighths inch bottom chain because, according to Mr. Billings, a heavier chain "will wrap around the mushroom anchor, thereby eliminating proper scope of the chain... with a slightly lighter weight chain on the bottom, it would enable the boat to fully use the entire anchor system." Transcript of Bench Trial Proceedings (hereinafter "Trial Tr.") at 389/25-390/1-3.
Mr. Billings suggested that Crowley replace some parts of the mooring system chain. Thereafter, Crowley purchased two new pennants, shackles, and a new section of chain which is typically replaced every two or three years. After purchasing the new mooring equipment, during the 2008 season, Crowley did not see any unusual wear on the pennants or chafing gear. When Mr. Billings's installed the pennants, there was chafing gear on the pennants.
On Sunday, October 19, 2008, Crowley went sailing on the Moondance. Later that same day, he left town for a six day business trip to London and Geneva. When he travels, Crowley generally monitors the weather at home. However, Crowley did not monitor the weather during
Mr. Billings had no recollection of Crowley telling him that he was going out of town. Crowley failed to tell Mr. Billings he was going out of town on Sunday, October 19, 2008. Further, Crowley never contacted Mr. Billings, or anyone else, once forecasters predicted the storm on Wednesday and Thursday. Crowley was not concerned about the weather while he was away.
Crowley returned on the evening of Saturday, October 25, 2008, to John F. Kennedy Airport. When he landed, his wife informed him that the Fleet Captain at Black Rock Yacht Club called to say the Moondance broke off its mooring. The boat broke free because the lines chafed through on the chocks because of the constant rubbing through the chock as the boat moved side to side and up and down. After the boat broke free, it proceeded down the harbor, and it hit Costa's pier in three places, including toward the water's end of the dock as well as near the land's end, where the boat ultimately rested. A 90 to 100 foot section of the pier, closest to the land, was destroyed. The pilings had snapped and/or cracked, the decking was totally gone, and the boat was sitting just about where the beginning of the pier on the land side would have been.
Crowley went to Costa's property on Sunday, October 26, to observe the boat. Crowley did not remove the sail from his boat in advance of the storm and no chafing gear was present after the boat hit the dock. However, the Moondance had chafing gear on its pennants prior to the October 25 storm.
Crowley contracted with Norwalk Marine Contractors ("Norwalk Marine") to lift the boat up, pull it out of the water, and take it to Captain Cove Seaport. Norwalk Marine used a crane barge to lift the boat, but the barge dropped the vessel on a shoal and the vessel was grounded. After several attempts to dislodge the vessel, the yacht club's workboat was able to work it free.
Black Rock Harbor is most at risk when the winds are coming south to southeast because there is no break water at the mouth of the Harbor. The wind can thus carry and build up waves over the entire distance from Long Island to Bridgeport.
On October 22, 2008, the Wednesday before the storm, the Weather Service Office based in New York — responsible for the marine forecast for Long Island Sound and surrounding coastal weather — forecasted that a storm was coming on the weekend. Potential gale force winds — meaning sustained or wind gusts of 39 to 54 miles per hour — were forecasted on Wednesday for Saturday, Pl. Ex. 35, at 1.
On Thursday, October 23, the Weather Service Office continued to predict gale force conditions for Saturday, and, in particular, strengthening southeasterly flow, a cold front, and high pressure. At 7:24 a.m. on Friday, October 24, the marine forecast stated it was "quiet before the storm through Saturday morning." Id. at 1-2. Although the forecast in the morning and at 1:41 p.m. on Friday predicted high winds over eastern waters, it still issued — at 7:24 a.m. on Friday — a gale watch over "all waters" beginning Saturday afternoon and into the evening. See id. at 2. By Friday night, October 24, at 8:27 p.m., the forecast for Black Rock Harbor was downgraded to a small craft advisory starting at noon Saturday, although the forecasts predicted the small craft advisory gusts would not commence until a couple of hours after. See Pl.Ex. 35, at 3.
On the morning of Saturday, October 25, winds began to increase, although they were still under 20 miles per hour. Trial Tr. at 224/10-11. At 5:17 a.m., the forecast predicted winds from the south at 10 to 15 miles per hour with gusts up to 25 miles per hour in the afternoon and evening. Pl.Ex. 216, at 32. The marine forecast predicted gusts reaching up to 34 miles per hour. Pl.Ex. 35, at 4.
The defendant's weather expert utilized data from Sikorsky Airport to determine what weather was experienced on Saturday, October 25. However, the plaintiffs' weather expert testified that the Sikorsky data does not accurately reflect the weather felt on the water because the wind is interrupted by trees, buildings, or obstacles near the airport, which slows it down. Therefore, the court credits Mr. Bevens' testimony, as opposed to the data reflected in Defendant's Exhibit 216 from Sikorsky Airport. The court finds, based on Mr. Beven's testimony, that on Saturday, October 25, the winds started to come from the dominant direction of south-southeast around noontime. The winds also increased to above 20 miles per hour around noon as well. The winds continued at that speed or higher for approximately 10 to 12 hours. At 6:00 p.m., the winds were sustained at 36 miles per hour with gusts of 44 miles per hour. At 7:00 p.m., the winds were sustained at 34 miles per hour with gusts of 44 miles per hour. At 8:00 p.m., the winds were sustained at 35 miles per hour with gusts of 44 miles per hour. At 9:00 p.m., the winds were sustained at 35 miles per hour with gusts of 45 miles per hour. At 10:00 p.m., the winds were sustained at 32 miles per hour with gusts of 45 miles per hour. The waves were under a foot in height throughout the morning, but they reached as high as three and a half feet in Black Rock Harbor during the height of the storm. Based on Mr. Beven's testimony, the court finds that, by
The court finds, based on Mr. Horn's testimony, that every weather situation is different and some situations are easier to predict than others. Based on Mr. Horn's testimony as well as that of Mr. Bevens, the court finds that sometimes you can fine tune a forecast the closer it gets to the event, but sometimes you make a better forecast two or three days out. Based on the exhibits and the testimony of Mr. Horn and Mr. Bevens, the court finds that the best predictions of the storm that occurred on Saturday, October 25, 2008, were reflected in the forecasts on Wednesday, Thursday, and to midday Friday.
October weather is typically quite variable. The court credits Mr. Ruskay's testimony that, over the 45 years he has been in the business, the most trouble he has had has been with fall storms. In addition, the court credits Mr. Scinto's testimony that October is a difficult month in terms of weather and Mr. Bevens' testimony that the weather in October can be variable. There may be a few years of calm weather and, then, a few years with big storms during the month. Winds from the north are less problematic for Black Rock Harbor because the harbor is protected from that direction. If the winds come from the south, there is a greater chance of bigger waves
The court finds, based on Mr. Horn's testimony, that the storm on Saturday, October 25, 2008, was not unique. In 1996, there was a storm that lasted 26 hours, with winds gusting as high as 54 miles per hour, and sustained winds of over 40 miles per hour for many hours. In addition, in 2006, a storm blew from the south for about 10 hours, although the winds were less than those experienced on October 25, 2008.
When there is bad weather forecasted, boat owners at Black Rock Yacht Club secure loose canvas, tie up their sails, frequently remove the head sail or the jib which has a tendency to unravel, check the mooring gear, make sure the chafing gear is in place, or remove the boat. Crowley has moved his boat to a more secure location down the harbor once or twice a season when foul weather was expected. When bad weather is predicted, a boat owner should get his boat off the mooring and into a marina or more protected coverage.
The dock piles were deteriorated, and they showed signs of hourglassing, marine growth, and heavy cracking. In addition, the creosote treatment on the pilings had leached out. The originally 10 inch diameter pilings were reduced to between 6 and 8 inches in diameter from wear and tear; that there was barnacle growth and checking and cracking on the pilings; and that the bolts were wasted, rusted, and corroded. Cracks, borers, and hourglassing diminish the useful life of the pilings. The dock had depreciated since it was originally
The Costa dock was built in 1957. The pilings were last replaced in 1987. Given that the dock survived for thirty years before its pilings were replaced, that the dock would not have been entirely depreciated in 1987 when the pilings were replaced (as it was still standing and in use), and that the pilings were able to overcome their age because there were so many of them, the court finds that the useful life of the dock was 32 years. The dock was significantly depreciated at the time of the allision. However, the court cannot say it had depreciated to an almost non-existent value. Given the dock's 32 year life expectancy and the fact that the pilings were last replaced 21 years before the allision, the dock was two-thirds depreciated.
The parties introduced four different proposals for repairing Costa's dock after the allision, as well as an estimate for the cost of repair from a marine surveyor.
First, Connecticut Pile Driving, L.L.C. ("Connecticut Pile"), proposed to remove and replace 100 feet of the pier, install approximately 28 piles, and replace and repair the handrail where damaged. The cost to complete these repairs was estimated at $42,300.00.
Second, Norwalk Marine proposed that, to repair the portions of the pier that were damaged, it would need to replace 25 feet of the wooden jetty section which included 10 pilings, supply and install 20 new piles, replace 65 feet of decking, replace 65 feet of handrails on both sides, attach the new sections to the existing structure. The cost to complete these repairs was $75,600 including tax. The price did not include the cost of obtaining necessary permits. In addition, the price did not include the cost of mobilization.
The Norwalk Marine estimate only proposed replacing approximately 65 feet of decking and handrail. However, approximately 100 feet of the dock was damaged by the Moondance. In a later proposal that breaks down the cost of repairing the damaged portions of the dock, Norwalk Marine estimated that repairing 65 feet of damaged dock would cost between $40,000 and $45,000, and that repairing the timber groin would cost between $15,000 and $25,000. Even at the upper end of both estimates, the numbers do not match the $75,600 originally proposed for repairing the damaged portion of the dock. Assuming it would cost $50,000 to repair 65 feet of damaged dock, it would cost an additional $26,923 to repair the additional 35 feet of dock damaged by the Moondance. Therefore, the court finds that the total cost of repair under the Norwalk Marine estimate would be approximately $100,000.
Third, G & C Marine Services ("G & C Marine") proposed to remove all damaged piles, remove damaged sections of the pier and handrail, replace approximately 90 feet completely and repair other sections where required, install 26 new timber piles, install split caps, joists, and decking in damaged areas, install new a handrail, remove section of damaged timber groin, and install new timbers and attach to the existing groin. Including tax, the cost of repair was estimated at $154,760. G & C Marine's estimate did not include the cost of mobilization.
Fourth, Blakeslee, Arpaia, Chapman, Inc. ("Blakeslee") proposed to repair the
According to Mr. Fucci, paragraphs 4, 5, and 6 of the proposal pertain to the entire length of the dock as opposed to only the damaged sections of the dock. Taking 30 percent of those numbers to reflect the damaged portion of the dock, those paragraphs propose $40,296 in costs as opposed to $134,320. Paragraph 7 relates to repair of the gazebo and bird detractors (both of which are near the end of the pier), which Mr. Fucci testified were not near where he saw the damage from the Moondance. Therefore, subtracting the cost of replacing the gazebo, bird detractors, and undamaged portions of the dock, Blakeslee's estimate to repair the portions of the dock damaged by the Moondance is estimated at $245,516.
Fifth, Stafford Marine Service, LLC ("Stafford"), set forth its estimates for the cost of repair as part of its survey of the dock for insurance purposes. Stafford estimated that it would cost between $235,000 and $300,000
Both Norwalk Marine and G & C Marine failed to include mobilization costs in their estimates. Based on the range of estimates set forth by Mr. Hilts, Blakeslee, and Stafford for the cost of mobilization, and because Mr. Hilts' testimony and Stafford's estimate for mobilization are more in line than Blakeslee's proposal, the court finds that mobilization should cost $25,000. By adding the cost of mobilization, the total costs of repair to the damaged portion of the dock — as proposed by Norwalk Marine and G & C Marine — would be $125,000 and $179,760, respectively. Blakeslee's estimate would be $220,516 assuming mobilization costs of $25,000 instead of $50,000. Stafford's estimate — at the lowest end — would be $152,500, and $217,500 at the highest end.
Given that the estimates of G & C Marine, Stafford, and Blakeslee are all within an approximately $65,000 window and that those estimates are the most detailed — they break down the estimates for repairing the deck, handrail, and timber jetty/groin/breakwater — the court finds, by taking the average of these proposals, that
Mr. Costa obtained a permit to rebuild the dock. The permit authorized Mr. Costa to retain an "approximately 400 linear foot riprap shoreline, an eight inch diameter pond inflow/outflow pipe, a 28 foot long timber groin, a two foot long timber groin, a 20 foot wide by 90 foot long stone groin, and a nine inch tall by 60 foot long timber groin." Def. Ex. 219, at 3-4. The permit authorized Mr. Costa to replace the nine inch by 60 foot long timber groin, remove a derelict dock, and install a dock comprised of a six foot by 256 foot fixed pier, a four foot by 36 foot ramp, an eight foot by 20 foot float, and associated pilings.
Costa counterclaims that, "the damage to his pier was caused by Crowley's "acts, omissions, strict liability, fault, negligence, and breach of federal safety and operating regulations."" Defs.' Answer to Verified Compl. and Counterclaims (Doc. No. 18) ("Defs.' Answer") 5-6. "The elements to establish a claim of negligence under maritime law are the same as the elements of negligence under common law. These elements include duty, breach of that duty, and causation." In re Re, No. 07-CV223-JFB, 2008 WL 4069747 at *3 (E.D.N.Y. Aug. 27, 2008) (citing Petition of Kinsman Transit Co., 338 F.2d 708, 721 (2d Cir.1964)).
A moored vessel that breaks away from its moorings is presumed to be at fault. Martinez v. United States, 705 F.2d 658, 661 (2d Cir.1983) (citing The Louisiana, 70 U.S. 164, 173, 3 Wall. 164, 18 L.Ed. 85 (1865)). This rule applies in cases where an unmoored vessel collides with a stationary object. See Union Pacific R. Co. v. Kirby Inland Marine, Inc. of Mississippi, 296 F.3d 671, 673 (8th Cir. 2002) (citing The Oregon, 158 U.S. 186, 197, 15 S.Ct. 804, 39 L.Ed. 943 (1895)). Essentially, the Louisiana rule shifts the burden to the ship's owner to show that he was not negligent. See The Charles H. Sells, 89 F.2d 631, 633 (2d Cir.1937) ("it means no more than that the vessel must show herself free from `fault' in the ordinary sense").
There are three ways in which a vessel owner may rebut the presumption under the Louisiana rule: by showing that (1) the allision was the fault of the stationary object; (2) the moving vessel acted with reasonable care; or (3) the allision was an unavoidable accident. See Zerega Ave. Realty v. Hornbeck Offshore Transp., 571 F.3d 206, 211 (2d Cir.2009). Because it is undisputed that the Moondance struck Costa's pier, the Louisiana rule places the burden on the plaintiffs to rebut a finding that Crowley was negligent. The court will consider each method for rebutting the presumption.
This first method for rebutting the presumption of negligence is analogized to the common law tort theory of contributory negligence. See Fischer v. S/Y NERAIDA, 508 F.3d 586, 593 (11th Cir.2007). The plaintiffs argue that, but for Costa's "statutory violations in the construction
In general, the standard for negligence in admiralty and maritime is the familiar, reasonably prudent person under the circumstances. See, e.g., Rainey v. Paquet Cruises, 709 F.2d 169, 171 (2d Cir. 1983). "Since there are occasions when every vessel will break from her moorings, and since, if she does, she becomes a menace to those about her; the owner's duty, as in other similar situations, to provide against resulting injuries is a function of three variables: (1) The probability that she will break away; (2) the gravity of the resulting injury, if she does; [and] (3) the burden of adequate precautions." United States v. Carroll Towing Co., 159 F.2d 169, 173 (2d Cir.1947).
Crowley failed to exercise reasonable care when he did not have someone move the Moondance from its mooring in Black Rock Harbor once forecasters predicted inclement weather for Saturday, October 25, 2008. The court credits Mr. Billings' testimony that boat owners should secure loose canvas, tie up their sails or remove the sails, check the mooring gear, make sure the chafing gear is in place, or remove the boat from the harbor when inclement weather is forecasted. Further, the court credits Mr. Ruskay's testimony that boat owners should remove the sails, add additional lines or pennants, or, ideally, move the boat off the mooring. Crowley himself testified that, if foul weather was expected, he would move the boat to a more secure location alongside the dock at Captain Cove Seaport. Crowley did not take any of these steps prior to the October 25, 2008 storm. Based on this testimony, and the unpredictability of fall storms,
Crowley had sufficient warning that inclement weather was forecasted and, therefore, had time to have his boat moved from its moorings. On Wednesday, October 22, 2008, forecasters predicted a storm for Saturday with potential gale force winds. On Thursday, October 23, the Weather Service Office continued to predict gale force conditions for Saturday. Although the forecast changed on Friday, there is no evidence before the court that Crowley took any steps to secure his boat in light of the storm forecasted for Saturday at any time up to the Friday morning forecast.
Crowley testified that, when he is out of town, he asks his wife, Mr. Billings, or a friend to keep an eye on the boat. But the court found that Crowley did not inform Mr. Billings of his trip. Regardless, there is no evidence that Crowley contacted Mr. Billings, or anyone else, once forecasters predicted the Saturday storm on Wednesday and Thursday. There is no evidence that Crowley asked anyone to move the boat once forecasters predicted severe weather, even though Mr. Billings testified that it would only take five minutes to take the launch from the Black Rock Yacht Club to where the Moondance was moored, and Crowley testified that another boat owner could have gained access to the Moondance by obtaining the combination lock code. In fact, Crowley testified that it was common to move a boat off its mooring to a more secure area alongside the dock at Captain Cove, and that he has moved other owners' boats for them when they were unavailable. Therefore, the court finds that someone else easily could have moved the boat for Crowley.
Furthermore, even though the weather forecast changed on Friday evening, numerous witnesses testified about the variability of fall weather; therefore, a last-minute alteration to the forecast does not make its reasonable for Crowley to fail to have taken steps to, and to, secure his boat.
Applying the three-prong test set forth in Carroll Towing, the court finds that Crowley was negligent in failing to remove the Moondance from Black Rock Harbor in advance of the Saturday storm. See Carroll Towing Co., 159 F.2d at 173. First, the testimony shows that there was a high probability that the boat would break away. The forecast on Wednesday through Friday called for a severe storm, one which would call for a reasonably prudent boat owner to take his boat off of its moorings so as to prevent damage. Second, the resulting injury is and was significant. The Moondance was a 44 foot boat with the potential to damage nearby property, including other boats and structures, such as Costa's dock. Third, the burden of taking adequate precautions was minimal. From Black Rock Yacht Club, it would only take five minutes to get to where the Moondance was moored in Black Rock Harbor. There were people available, even in Crowley's absence, to move the Moondance. Therefore, the plaintiffs have failed to meet their burden as to the second method for overcoming the Louisiana presumption.
To establish this third method of rebutting the Louisiana presumption,
In The Louisiana, the court concluded that the defendant was negligent in anchoring the vessel and, therefore, the only way in which the court could find an inevitable accident was if the change in tides would have unmoored the vessel even had all reasonable preparations been made. See id. at 174; see also Fischer, 508 F.3d at 595. This court does not conclude that the allision was an unavoidable accident. Indeed, it concludes it was an avoidable accident. Had Crowley had the Moondance taken off its moorings and moved to the marina — a reasonable and very doable measure — this accident would not have occurred. See Fischer, 508 F.3d at 596 (stating that the "Act of God" defense "sensibly requires a showing that all reasonable measures would have been futile"). Surely, the plaintiffs have failed in establishing that such a measure would have been futile.
Although the Louisiana rule "creates a presumption of negligent operation, it does not create an additional presumption that the allision caused whatever damages are alleged." Zerega, 571 F.3d at 212 (explaining the Oregon rule, which sets forth the same rule as that established in The Louisiana for vessels that hit stationary objects). "As in any negligence case, the plaintiff in a maritime allision case bears the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant's negligence caused the alleged damages." Id.
The court finds that Costa has met his burden of proving that the cause of the damage was due to the impact from Crowley's boat. Multiple witnesses testified to seeing the Moondance resting against Costa's pier after the storm. Pictures depict the Moondance resting against the dock. See Def. Ex. 208. According to Mr. Truslow, the Moondance was the only boat that broke loose from the Black Rock Harbor Yacht Club; therefore, the Moondance was "the only vessel that was that far south that could have impacted the dock." Trial Tr. at 444/5-12. Therefore, the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the damage to the dock was caused by the Moondance breaking loose from its moorings and running into the dock three times.
The plaintiffs claim that Costa violated both state and federal law when he constructed a pier twice as long in length as allowed by permit, and that Costa's violation triggers application of the Pennsylvania rule. See Pl. Trial Memo (Doc. No. 117) at 16. The Supreme Court held in The Pennsylvania that, when "a ship at the time of a collision is in actual
The burden first rests on the party invoking the Pennsylvania rule — here the plaintiffs — to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the Pennsylvania rule applies. See Hatt 65, LLC v. Kreitzberg, 658 F.3d 1243, 1252 (11th Cir. 2011). For the rule to apply, three elements must be present: "(1) proof by a preponderance of evidence of violation of a statute or regulation that imposes a mandatory duty; (2) the statute or regulation must involve marine safety or navigation; and (3) the injury suffered must be of a nature that the statute or regulation was intended to prevent." Id. (citing Folkstone Maritime, Ltd. v. CSX Corp., 64 F.3d 1037, 1047 (7th Cir.1995)).
The plaintiffs claim that Costa violated two statutes: the Rivers and Harbors Act, 33 U.S.C. § 403, and a Connecticut statute which requires permits for the erection of structures, Conn. Gen.Stat. § 22a-361. The court considers each in turn.
Section 403 of Title 33 of the United States Code states, in relevant part, that:
The evidence shows that Costa's pier measured 320 feet in length, but his permit only permitted him to construct a 160 foot pier. See Trial Tr. at 149/20-25-150/1. However, despite the fact that Costa did not have a proper permit, he is absolved of meeting section 403's permit requirement if the Grandfather Clause applies, 33 C.F.R. § 330.3(b). See Bunge Corp., 240 F.3d at 926. The Grandfather Clause states that structures completed before December 18, 1968, so long as they do not interfere with navigation, do not require permitting. 33 C.F.R. § 330.3(b). Costa built his pier in 1957, thereby meeting the
The plaintiffs also claim that Costa violated a Connecticut statute, Conn. Gen.Stat. § 22a-361, by building his pier beyond the originally permitted length. The Connecticut statute provides, in relevant part, that:
The plaintiffs have met their burden of showing that Costa violated a statute or regulation that imposes a mandatory duty. See Bunge Corp., 240 F.3d at 926. Costa's pier exceeded the length permitted by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection ("DEEP") permit. See Def. Ex. 206 at 2; see also Hatt 65, 658 F.3d at 1250 (considering whether the defendant violated a state statute). However, the court finds that the plaintiffs failed to meet their burden of proving that the statute or regulation involved marine safety or navigation. See Bunge Corp., 240 F.3d at 926. According to John Hilts, who prepares permits for persons seeking to construct structures on coastal waters in Connecticut and New York, DEEP would likely have rejected a permit for such a long pier had it not been in place prior to the permit. Because there was already "an impact on coastal waters and coastal resources in place," DEEP was more amenable to approving the permit. Trial Tr. at 148/15-18. The obvious inference is that DEEP considers the environmental impact of the pier, primarily, when determining whether to approve an initial permit for a pier.
Furthermore, the statute itself states that the Connecticut DEEP may adopt regulations for granting permits "giving due regard for the impact of regulated activities and their use on the tidal, coastal or navigable waters of the state, adjoining coastal and tidal resources, tidal wetlands, navigation, recreation, erosion, sedimentation, water quality and circulation, fisheries, shellfisheries, wildlife, flooding and other natural disasters and water-dependent use opportunities." Conn. Gen.Stat. § 22a-361(c). Although the statute mentions navigation, the court finds, based on the complete list of considerations along with Mr. Hilts' testimony, that the purpose of the permitting process is largely to protect
The court finds that the plaintiffs have not met their burden of showing by a preponderance of the evidence that the Pennsylvania Rule applies regardless of whether Costa violated either the federal or state statutes. The burden, therefore, remains with the plaintiffs. Because they have not met their burden to rebut the presumption of fault established by the Louisiana rule, the court concludes that the plaintiffs are liable for the damage to Costa's dock.
The plaintiffs raise the defense of limitation of liability under the Limitation of Liability Act, 46 U.S.C. §§ 30501-30512. The Act states, in relevant part, that "the liability of the owner of a vessel for any claim, debt, or liability [arising from any loss, damage, or injury by collision... done, occasioned, or incurred without the privity or knowledge of the owner] shall not exceed the value of the vessel and pending freight." 46 U.S.C. § 30505. "The phrase `privity or knowledge' is a `term of art meaning complicity in the fault that caused the accident.'" In re Complaint of Messina, 574 F.3d 119, 126 (2d Cir.2009) (citing Blackler v. F. Jacobus Transportation Co., 243 F.2d 733, 735 (2d Cir.1957)). To determine whether the Limitation of Liability Act applies, the court follows a two-step approach: (1) was the accident caused by conduct that is actionable, that is, by negligent conduct, and (2) was the actionable conduct without the vessel owner's privity or knowledge. See In re Complaint of Messina, 574 F.3d at 126-27.
As to the first element, the burden of proof is on the claimant here, Costa. Id. To determine whether there was actionable conduct, "[t]he test is, could the collision have been prevented by the exercise of ordinary care, caution and maritime skill?" The Jumna, 149 F. 171, 173 (2d Cir.1906). The court has already determined that Crowley did not exercise reasonable care because he failed to remove the Moondance from its moorings and take it to a more protected location and, if he had, the accident would not have occurred. See supra, pp. 415-17. Therefore, the first element is met.
As to the second element, "[i]n the case of individual owners, it has been commonly held or declared that privity as used in the statute means some personal
Having found the plaintiffs liable for the allision with Costa's dock, the court must determine the appropriate calculation of damages. Both parties have submitted evidence regarding the cost of repairing the damaged portions of the dock. Both parties agree that the Moondance struck the dock in three places, destroying an approximately 90 to 100 foot portion of the dock and damaging the jetty. The court found that the cost of repairing the damaged portion of the pier is $186,000. See supra, pp. 412-14.
The plaintiffs claim, however, that damages are "limited by federal maritime law due to the severely deteriorated condition of the pier immediately prior to the accident." "Courts have generally allowed depreciation in awarding damages for injury to wharfs, bridges, and similar installations." Seaboard Air Line R. Co. v. Marine Industries, Inc., 237 F.Supp. 10 (E.D.S.C.1964). "If some of the repairs are required because of age, deteriorated condition, service, or because of prior collisions, the entire cost of the repairs will not be allowed as damages." Patterson Terminals, Inc. v. S.S. Johannes Frans, 209 F.Supp. 705, 710 (E.D.Pa.1962); see also Oakdene Compress & Warehouse Co. v. S.S. Cities Service Norwalk, 242 F.Supp. 148, 150-51 (E.D.S.C.1965) ("[T]he courts have generally allowed depreciation in cases of damages to wharves and similar structures, and this practice has continued since the passage of the Act of 1948 bringing such cases within the admiralty jurisdiction."); Brooklyn Waterfront Terminal Corp. v. International Terminal Operating Co., 211 F.Supp. 702, 708 (S.D.N.Y. 1962) ("Plaintiff is entitled to be made whole for the damage caused to the pier as it existed — that is, an award necessary to restore the pier to its condition as of the damage date.").
The Fifth Circuit has held that, in cases involving allisions with fixed structures, the measure of damages includes the cost of repairs without any deductions for depreciation if the repairs do not extend the life or enhance the value of the structure. See Paktank Corp.-Deer Park Terminal v. M/V M.E. Nunez, 35 F.Supp.2d 521, 530 (S.D.Tex.1999) (emphasis added) (failing to allow a reduction for depreciation when repairs to dolphin did not extend its useful life or enhance its value, but also reducing award for damage to fender mat because fender mat had prior damage); Petition of M/V Elaine Jones, 480 F.2d 11, 27 (5th Cir.1973) (stating that since "repair may leave property in a better condition[, d]epreciation, which in terms of a declining dollar figure reflects the annual depletion of an item's continuing usefulness for a given purpose, then becomes a handy tool to reduce the recovery for repair costs to the level necessary to return the injured
"[W]here the expected useful life of the property after repairs is the same as it was at the time of its acquisition by the plaintiff, the straight-line depreciation formula should be applied." Freeport Sulphur Co. v. S/S Hermosa, 526 F.2d 300, 305 (5th Cir.1976). The court found that the useful life expectancy of the dock at the time of acquisition was 32 years. See supra, pp. 411-12. There is no evidence before the court to suggest that the life expectancy of the dock after it is repaired should be any different. Because the useful life of the dock after repairs is the same as it was at the time of acquisition, the court applies the straight-line depreciation formula. See Freeport, 526 F.2d at 305.
When applying the straight-line depreciation formula, "the increase in value is deducted from the plaintiff's recovery for the cost of repairs." Id. at 304. The court has already found that the dock was two-thirds depreciated at the time of the allision. Therefore, the recovery is reduced by two-thirds, to $62,000.
Costa also requests pre-judgment interest. "[P]rejudgment interest should be awarded in maritime collision cases, subject to a limited exception for `peculiar' or `exceptional' circumstances," including "the most obvious example ... the plaintiff's responsibility for `undue delay in prosecuting the lawsuit.'" See City of Milwaukee v. Cement Div., Nat'l Gypsum Co., 515 U.S. 189, 196, 115 S.Ct. 2091, 132 L.Ed.2d 148 (1995). There is no evidence before the court to suggest this case warrants an "exceptional" departure. Therefore, the court awards pre-judgment interest. See Great Lakes, 855 F.Supp.2d at 155 ("Granting of pre-judgment interest is, in fact, the rule rather than the exception.").
"The rate of interest to be applied is a matter within this Court's discretion, as is the date when interest accrues, and whether interest is to be compounded." Id. Prejudgment may be awarded from the time of injury, from the time of payment for repairs, or from the time when repairs could have been made if the damage was not repaired. See Independent Bulk Transport, Inc. v. Vessel Morania Abaco, 676 F.2d 23, 25 (2d Cir.1982). "An interest award should `reimburse the claimant for the loss of use of its investment or its funds from the time of such loss until judgment is entered.'" Hudson River Cruises, Inc. v. Bridgeport Drydock Corp., 892 F.Supp. 380, 388 (D. Conn. 1994) (citing Matter of Bankers Trust Co., 658 F.2d 103, 108 (3rd Cir.1981)). Because "it has long been held proper for admiralty courts fully to restore the injured party to his condition at the time of the injury by allowing and fixing prejudgment interest from the date of the loss in proceedings involving property damage," see Petition of City of New York, 332 F.2d 1006, 1008 (2d Cir.1964), the court will set interest from the date of injury, October 25, 2008.
Sources for setting the prejudgment rate include: (1) the statutory rate in the forum state; (2) the average prime rate or adjusted prime rate; and (3) the yield on short-term U.S. Treasury Bills. See Great Lakes, 855 F.Supp.2d at 156. The average prime rate interest from the date of the allision — October 25, 2008 — to
Date of Rate Change Rate October 8, 2008 4.50% October 29, 2008 4.00% December 16, 2008 3.25%
See id.; see also History of the U.S. (Fed) Prime Rate, http://www.fedprimerate.com/wall_street_journal_prime_rate_history.htm (last visited Feb. 13, 2013). The federal prime rate has remained at 3.25% since December 16, 2008.
The court awards Costa prejudgment interest at the average prime interest rate — 3.28% — from the date the Moondance hit Costa's pier until the date of judgment.
Based on the preceding findings of fact and conclusions of law, this court orders that judgment in the amount of $62,000 and prejudgment interest calculated as set forth above, from October 25, 2008 at a rate of 3.28% — $8,581.79 — without any compounding, enter in favor of the defendants/third-party plaintiffs (for a total of $70,581.79). The Clerk is hereby ordered to close the case.
