Can an employer be held liable for failing to pay wages?

14 The employees sought penalties for failure to pay wages under 46 U.S.C. Sec. 596, which provides that an employer who fails to pay wages shall pay a penalty equal to two days' wages for each unpaid day. Under 46 U.S.C. Sec. 544, however, employees on "coastwise" voyages are exempted from 46 U.S.C. Sec. 596. The district court in Sewell v. M/V Point Barrow held that the employees who brought the action were employed on vessels engaged in coastwise trade and were exempt from coverage under 46 U.S.C. Sec. 596.