DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — Attorney Willie E. Gary and the family of Lonnie Jordan were present at the Duval County courthouse Wednesday as the first lawsuit was filed in relation to the El Faro sinking.
The $100 million lawsuit was filed against TOTE Services, Inc. d.b.a. TOTE Maritime, Puerto Rico, the owners of the El Faro cargo ship.
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The law office is conducting an investigation into the incident. "My clients need a voice," said Gary.
Gary said he is sending a message to big business, "You can run, but you can't hide."
The family also noted that they are seeking extensive changes to the maritime industry, calling it "money driven," said Gary.
Gary said it's about the oldest sin there is, greed.
Attorney's said the lawsuit seeks to hold the defendants accountable for their role in sending the El Faro directly into the path of deadly Hurricane Joaquin.
Gary said they are not going to let the cases sit around or let the families suffer. "No one is going to pull a fast one on these families," Gary said.
The ship sank in early October and the 33 crews members who were on board are presumed dead.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident to find out what happened, who's responsible and how it can be prevented.
WJAX
