Finding disappeared witnesses

We defended an insurance company covering a gasoline release valve manufacturer based on a boat explosion. There were several other defendants involved either the boat or gasoline dispensing issues. Initially, there were no witness of the explosion. However, our attorney searched out witnesses to the accident in Key West Florida and organized Federal subpoenas questioning each witness ½ hour apart over 2 days in Key West Florida. As a result the matter was settled for a minor contribution of my client based on the actions of the plaintiff and/or the other defendants.