November 21, 2007

Cosco Busan arrested

A San Francisco class action trial lawyer has had the Cosco Busan arrested.

"Under well established maritime law, in these circumstances, it is appropriate to make sure the vessel involved in the oil spill does not leave the jurisdiction of the United States," said William M. Audet of Audet & Partners, LLP.

Mr. Audet's firm, Audet & Partners, LLP, represents fisherman, boat operators, and others who have filed a class action lawsuit for damages that have resulted from the Cosco Busan spill.

Mr. Audet filed papers with the United States District Court, asking the court to issue an order seizing the vessel, and ordering the U.S. Marshalls to arrest the ship.

On November 20, 2007, the District Court issued an order granting the request to arrest the Cosco Busan.

"We have been contacted by literally hundreds of ship owners and others whose livelihood depend on clean ocean water and have lost significant amounts of money directly due to the recent oil spill," reported Mr. Audet, "we need to protect our clients' interest by making sure the vessel does not leave the jurisdiction of the Untied States."

In addition to filing the motion, Audet & Partners, LLP was joined by additional attorneys in the class action.

Mr. Audet's firm was joined by Anthony Urie, a maritime attorney, whose main practice area according to his website appears to be maritime personal injury cases. The attorneys also filed an amended class action to name addition parties.

The complaint is entitled Chelsea, LLC, on behalf of the Class v. Regal Stone, Ltd., et al., Civil Action No. 07-5800 (Northern District of California). Additional information about the case including the court's order and other pleadings can be found at http://www.audetlaw.com.