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Glynn County announced Wednesday it plans to drop all claims against shipping companies it held responsible for a 2019 shipwreck that contaminated its coastline and harmed the seafood industry. This move marks the end of a significant legal battle involving multiple parties.

Glynn County To End Shipwreck Spill Suit : Settlement Details

The stipulation of dismissal, signed by all parties in the county's suit, includes Hyundai Glovis Co., Norton Lilly International, GL NV24 Shipping Inc., G-Marine Service Co. Ltd., and T&T Salvage LLC. "The dismissal of the action is with prejudice as to all claims by all parties," the stipulation of dismissal stated. "The parties agree that each party will bear its own costs in this action."

Background of the Case

Glynn County, located about 75 miles south of Savannah, initiated the lawsuit in March 2022. The county claimed that a 660-foot cargo ship, the MV Golden Ray, was improperly loaded with more than 4,000 vehicles and hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel oil when it capsized in St. Simons Sound in September 2019 despite favorable sailing conditions. The resulting environmental damage led the county to seek nearly $100 million in compensation.

Glynn County To End Shipwreck Spill Suit : Legal Proceedings

Court records reveal that Glynn County and the involved companies were engaged in settlement discussions, culminating in a mediation session scheduled for late May. By mid-July, U.S. District Judge Lisa G. Wood ordered the parties to file a dismissal or a status report on their settlement progress by August 1.

Legal Representation

Glynn County is represented by Bradley J. Watkins of Brown Readdick Bumgartner Carter Strickland & Watkins LLP, along with Darren D. Sumich, Brandon Taylor, and Louise R. Caro of Cossich Sumich Parsiola & Taylor LLC. Norton Lilly International is represented by Jason Pedigo of Ellis Painter and Allen E. Graham and David J. Topping of Phelps Dunbar LLP. The representation for GL NV24 Shipping Inc., Hyundai Glovis Co., and G-Marine Service Co. Ltd. includes Todd M. Baiad of Bouhan Falligant LLP, alongside David L. Reisman, Raymond T. Waid, Kathryn Z. Gonski, and Emily A. von Qualen of Liskow & Lewis APLC. T&T Salvage LLC is represented by Colin A. McRae and Justin G. Guthrie of Hunter Maclean Exley & Dunn PC, and Susan Noe Wilson and Robert P. Vining of Schouest Bamdas Soshea BenMaier & Eastham PLLC.

This resolution marks a significant conclusion to Glynn County's efforts to address the environmental and economic impacts of the 2019 shipwreck, as the county prepares to move forward without further litigation against the shipping companies involved.