A government entity risk pool is suing a Canadian tugboat company for damaging a dock owned by the Port of South Whidbey, according to court documents.

Enduris, the risk pool representing the port district in the lawsuit filed Nov. 19 in Island County Superior Court, is seeking $79,403.27 in damages from Mercury Launch and Tug.

The documents state that a barge operated by the company based in Vancouver, B.C. was hauling two houses on Nov. 20, 2021. The barge tied up at the dock in Possession Beach Waterfront Park in Clinton, which is owned and operated by the port district. However, the pilings could not withstand the weight of the barge and suffered damage.

The lawsuit alleges that the tugboat company failed to exercise reasonable care and anticipate harm when using a port, failed to properly supervise and/or train employees and failed to take reasonable steps to ensure that the pilings that the barge tied up to were capable of handling the weight.

Enduris paid monetary benefits to its member the Port of South Whidbey as a result of the negligence, according to the documents, and is now seeking recompense.

Port of South Whidbey Executive Director Angi Mozer declined to comment on the case.

Mercury Launch and Tug could not be reached by press time.