Estate of man who died in Gulf of Mexico boat capsizing files lawsuit

The estate of a man who died in the frigid waters of the Gulf of Mexico when the boat he rode in capsized is suing the owner and the manufacturer of the boat, the Louisiana Record reported.

On Feb. 12, Kenneth Mock was a passenger on a 25-foot recreational fishing boat owned by defendant Harold D. Dowsey and manufactured by defendant Grady-White Boats. Mock and Dowsey were running out of South Pass into the Gulf to sport fish when one of the two outboard motors quit at about 7:30 a.m.

The lawsuit states that the other engine was shut off to re-start the failed engine. Then the men observed flooding from inside the cockpit which ended up capsizing the vessel and sending them into the cold water. After an extended period of time, Mock died.

Grady-White Boats stands accused of negligence for a defective boat that was unreasonably dangerous.

Dowsey stands accused of negligence on numerous grounds including failure to properly inspect the boat and maintain it in a safe condition, failure to properly maintain equipment, careless operation of the vessel and failure to make sure all passengers wore life vests at all times.

Jeffrey Mock and Brian Mock filed the lawsuit in their own right and on behalf of the Estate of Kenneth J. Mock on Aug. 19 in federal court in New Orleans. They ask for damages for physical and mental pain, suffering and discomfort, loss of wages, loss of consortium, medical and funeral expenses.