Great Lakes Reinsurance (U.K.) PLC v. Branam

Great Lakes Reinsurance (U.K.) PLC (“Great Lakes”) appeals from the denial of its motion for a directed verdict as to Joe Harry Branam, Sr.’s (“JHB”) breach of contract claim.1 Because we conclude that JHB failed to present sufficient evidence to support his breach of contract claim, we reverse and remand for entry of judgment in favor of Great Lakes.

THE DAMAGE TO THE JOE COOL

On September 22, 2007, the Joe Cool, a charter fishing boat owned by Deep Sea Miami, Inc. (“Deep Sea Miami”) and insured by Great Lakes, was hijacked. The hijackers murdered all four members of the vessel’s crew,…