USS Cole sailors’ families seek more compensation

NORFOLK (AP) -- The families of the 17 sailors killed in the 2000 attack on the USS Cole are asking to reopen their lawsuit against Sudan in an effort to seek more money from the nation.

Some of the families already received $13 million from frozen Sudanese assets in the United States, but a federal judge in Norfolk denied them millions more for pain and suffering, citing a limitation in the law.

Congress recently passed legislation that has opened the door for families of terrorism victims to seek pain and suffering damages.

U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar in March 2007 found Sudan liable for assisting the terrorists who attacked the destroyer at a Yemeni port. He ordered Sudan on Thursday to respond to the families request.

Among the victims was Mechanicsville native Kenneth Clodfelter, 21.