Hornbeck Offshore (1984) Corp. v. Coastal Carriers Corp.

BARKSDALE, Circuit Judge:

In issue is the wide reach of the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1, et seq. Appellant Coastal was owner of a barge carrying cargo for appellee Tunisia that sank while under tow by a boat chartered by Coastal from the other appellees (Horn-beck); and it appeals from the denial of a stay pending arbitration in Hornbeck’s limitation of liability action. We REVERSE.

I

In November 1989, Tunisia voyage-chartered a barge and tow from Coastal, to transport wheat from California to Tunisia; and, in turn, Coastal chartered the tow from Hornbeck. The Coastal/Hornbeck towage…