Opinion ID: 472582
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Future Charter

Text: 25 Lexington next argues that the district court erred in finding that Lexington's actions caused Austin to suffer $390,000 in damages for the loss of a future charter party. The district court found that, under the proposed thirty-month charter party, Austin would have earned a profit of $13,000 a month, resulting in a $390,000 loss when Servac retracted the offer. Lexington argues that its actions did not cause Servac to retract the offer. We agree. 26 On July 8, 1982, while the AMAZON TRADER was enroute from Tampa to Alexandria, Servac made an offer for a thirty-month charter of the vessel. No evidence in the record indicates that Austin accepted Servac's offer. In early August, before Servac had any knowledge of Lexington's handling of the claim, Servac decided to have nothing more to do with the AMAZON TRADER. Our review of the evidence indicates that, while there are several plausible reasons for Austin's and Servac's failure to agree to a long-term charter party, i.e., mechanical problems with the vessel, delays in the vessel's return voyage, and disputes over whether Servac or Austin was responsible for repairs, none of the explanations have anything to do with Lexington. Thus, finding ourselves left with a definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been made and finding the district court's finding implausible in light of the evidence, we reverse as to this element of damages.