Olympic Towing Corporation v. Nebel Towing Company, Inc.

GEWIN, Circuit Judge:

The appellee, Olympic Towing Corporation, brought this suit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against the appellants — Nebel Towing Company, Inc. and Nebel’s insurer, United States Casualty Company — to recover damages occasioned by the sinking of Olympic’s vessel, the M/V CARINTHIA, allegedly resulting from the improper operation of Nebel’s vessel,1 the M/V G-H, and her tow. The suit against Nebel’s insurer was brought pursuant to Louisiana’s direct action statute.2 Nebel thereafter petitioned the district court for exoneration…