Cartagena v. Challenger Columbia, Inc.
This case concerns six seamen who filed a motion for partial summary judgment against Challenger Columbia, Inc., Equity Steamship Agencies, Ltd., and John P. Emmans, seeking recovery for unpaid wages and other compensation after their vessel, the M/V Ocean Challenger, sank. The court addressed claims for wages, termination compensation, vacation pay, overtime, lost belongings, interest, liquidated damages, and attorney's fees. Applying Panamanian law and principles of issue preclusion, the court granted summary judgment for the seamen on claims matching the amounts in their pay vouchers, including wages, termination compensation, vacation pay, lost belongings, and overtime, as well as interest and liquidated damages. However, claims for additional compensation beyond the pay voucher amounts for lost possessions and overtime, and claims for attorney's fees, were denied, with the latter requiring a finding of 'callousness' which is a factual issue.