Owners of Ship File Lawsuit over Bridge Crash

The owners of a cargo ship that struck and collapsed part of the Eggner's Ferry Bridge say they were not responsible for the nighttime collision that took out one span because some of the bridge's lights were not working.

Foss Maritime, which owns the Delta Mariner, made the claim in a federal lawsuit seeking to exonerate itself from any liability from the Jan. 26 collision on the Tennessee River near Aurora. The five-story tall ship struck the bridge just before 8 pm, tearing away a span and halting traffic. Foss Maritime put the value of the boat at $13 million.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Coast Guard in Paducah, Lt. Jennifer Jessee, says all aspects of the wreck are being reviewed and no cause has been determined.