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Family of Florida Man Aboard Sunken El Faro Cargo Ship Files $100M Lawsuit

The lawsuit alleges that the owner and captain of El Faro were negligent in choosing to sail a 41-year-old cargo ship into dangerous weather.

The family of a sailor aboard the cargo ship that sunk in roiling seas whipped up by Hurricane Joaquin is filing a $100 million lawsuit against the vessel's owner and captain.

Willie Gary, an attorney representing the family of El Faro crew member Lonnie Jordan, said the suit was filed in Duval County Court on Wednesday.

Jordan was among the 33 men and women aboard the freighter that sunk Oct. 1 in 15,000 feet of water east of the Bahamas.

The suit alleges that Tote Maritime and its captain, Michael Davidson, were negligent in choosing to sail a 41-year-old cargo ship into dangerous weather. Gary said Tote needs to place more emphasis on employee safety and less on profits.

Tote did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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