After coal freighter sinks in Duluth Harbor, companies sued

Minneapolis (AP) — The owner of a coal freighter that sunk in the Duluth-Superior Harbor is suing a Wisconsin shipyard and a Minnesota dock company.

American Steamship Co. claims negligence by Hallett Dock Co. of Duluth and Fraser Shipyards Inc. of Superior, Wis. caused the 1,000-foot-long Walter J. McCarthy Jr., to sink in January 2008. The McCarthy hit a submerged concrete structure, which tore a hole in the hull, causing it to take on water.

American Steamship says Hallett and Fraser failed to maintain its dock properly and failed to know about the obstruction. The vessel has since been recovered and repaired and resumed service last spring.

The U.S. Coast Guard's investigation into the incident is still pending.

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Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press