Recent Updates
March 08, 2010
COURT DENIES ICICLE SEAFOOD?S MOVE TO REDUCE $1.3 MILLION DOLLAR PUNITIVE DAMAGE AWARD
March 03, 2010
ALASKA RANGER DOCUMENTARY - MAYDAY, BERING SEA TO AIR ON DISCOVERY CHANNEL
March 02, 2010
Three Crewmen Die When Cruise Ship Crashes While Docking In Egypt
February 22, 2010
ALASKA CRAB BOAT NORTHWESTERN DOCKS AT SEATTLE FISHERMANS TERMINAL
January 29, 2010
ICICLE SEAFOODS ORDERED TO PAY INJURED SEAMAN ATTORNEY FEES FOR MAINTENANCE AND CURE TRIAL
January 28, 2010
FOUR CREWMEN RESCUED FROM MISSING TUGBOAT
January 25, 2010
ALASKA FACTORY TRAWLER FLEET BEGINS 2010 FISHING SEASON
January 20, 2010
EXXON OIL TANKER LOSES POWER IN PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND
January 20, 2010
MARATHON OIL DECKHAND DIES AFTER FALL OVERBOARD
January 20, 2010
ALASKA FISHING VESSEL ORDERED TO RETURN TO PORT FOR SAFETY VIOLATIONS
Injury at Sea
COAST GUARD TO CONDUCT FORMAL INVESTIGATION INTO PARSAILING ACCIDENT
Posted by: James M. Beard
September 17, 2009
The Coast Guard has reported that it has ordered a formal district investigation into the parasailing accident that killed two women in late August when their connecting rope came free from the boat that was towing them.
One of the purposes of the investigation is to determine if the accident was a single occurrence or a vessel class wide problem. The Coast Guard expects the investigation to take several weeks.
CREWMEMBER HOISTED OFF FISHING VESSEL KAREN JAN NEAR OREGON
Posted by: James M. Beard
September 17, 2009
The Coast Guard reported that on August 24, 2009 it received a call that a 30 year old crewmember aboard the KAREN JAN was having trouble breathing. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter crew and transported the man from the KAREN JAN which was approximately 57 miles west of Lincoln City, Oregon to Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport.
Two Parasailors Killed In North Carolina
Posted by: James M. Beard
September 01, 2009
The Coast Guard has reported that two female parasailors have been killed near the Ocean Isle Beach Pier in North Carolina on Friday, August 28, 2009. According to Coast Guard reports, the chief of the Ocean Isle Fire Department notified the Coast Guard of the incident at approximately 2:28 p.m. The initial report was that the connecting rope from the parasail to the boat parted. The Coast Guard is investigating the incident including interviewing eyewitnesses and the master and crew of the vessel, TIED HIGH. The vessel and its contents were taken by the Coast Guard for evidence and drug and alcohol testing has been taken of the master and crew.
Crabber Missing After Falling Overboard
Posted by: Joseph S. Stacey
August 07, 2009
The United States Coast Guard is looking for a 31-year old man who fell overboard early Tuesday morning near Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The individual, whose name has not been released, was working aboard a crabbing vessel about two miles south of Frog Island in Albemarle Sound when he fell overboard. Coast Guard officials report that the man was climbing on crab pots on the vessel's deck when he fell in. The vessel's captain immediately stopped and anchored the vessel, however was not able to locate the crabber because he did not resurface. A Good Samaritan who was nearby called the Coast Guard at 9:10 a.m. to report the crabber had fallen overboard. A Coast Guard helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City and a rescue boat crew from Station Elizabeth City were immediately dispatched to begin searching for the man. The crabber was not wearing a life jacket and is reportedly unable to swim.
The law office of Beard Stacey Trueb & Jacobsen, LLP strongly urges all mariners to wear the proper safety equipment while working aboard a vessel. This equipment will significantly help save your life should an accident such as this occur. The maritime lawyers at BSTJ, LLP represent injured mariners throughout the nation in claims involving the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. For any questions regarding maritime law or injuries sustained while working aboard a vessel, contact us at 206.282.3100 or visit our website at atsealawyer.com.
Coast Guard Medevacs Crewman from Pelican
Posted by: Joseph S. Stacey
August 07, 2009
25-year old Camden McKay was medevaced from Pelican to Juneau, Alaska after he sustained a head injury on Thursday. McKay was working aboard the fishing vessel Pamele Rae when he hit his head after falling aboard the vessel. A fellow crewmember called the United States Coast Guard for assistance. A Coast Guard rescue crew responded and medevaced McKay to Juneau, where he was taken to Bartlett Regional Hospital for further care. The Pamele Rae is homeported in Petersburg.
The maritime lawyers at Beard Stacey Trueb & Jacobsen, LLP represent injured mariners throughout the nation in claims involving the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. For any questions regarding maritime law or injuries sustained while working aboard a vessel, contact us at 206.282.3100 or visit our website at www.atsealawyer.com.
FIRE ABOARD THE SHRIMP BOAT KEMO SABAY SENDS CREWMAN TO HOSPITAL WITH BURNS
Posted by: James M. Beard
July 31, 2009
The shrimp fishing vessel KEMO SABAY caught fire and burned on Thursday when a propane tank was tipped over and ignited. Three crewmen were rescued by nearby vessels. One of three crewmen aboard the vessel was seriously burned and was medivaced to Harborview Hospital for treatment. The KEMO SABAY is home ported in Port Townsend.
The maritime injury lawyers at Beard Stacey Trueb & Jacobsen, LLP recently settled another case for a crewman injured in a Washington fishing vessel fire and explosion for 4 million dollars. Fire and explosion cases involve complex factual and legal issues. Vessel owners frequently attempt to limit the crewman's right to compensatory damages in cases such as this by employing an ancient law called the Limitation of Liability Act.
F/V ALASKA WARRIOR LOSES MAN OVERBOARD
Posted by: James M. Beard
July 08, 2009
The search for a 58-year-old crewman that fell overboard off the ALASKA WARRIOR on Monday has been called off. The crewman was reportedly not wearing any floatation devices or survival gear. The ALASKA WARRIOR is a 192-foot head and gut fish processing vessel owned and operated by the Fishing Company of Alaska. The accident happened in Amukta Pass, about 218 miles west of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The Fishing Company of Alaska was also the owner of the ALASKA RANGER that sank in March of 2008 with the loss of five crewmen. The Coast Guard Casualty Investigation into the ALASKA RANGER has not yet been concluded. Less than a week ago another Seattle based fishing trawler, the REBECCA IRENE, lost a crewman overboard. The two recent accidents again emphasize the continued need for heightened safety standards and procedures in the Alaska fishing industry.
CREWMAN MISSING FROM ALASKA FISHING BOAT
Posted by: James M. Beard
July 08, 2009
The REBECCA IRENE reported that a crewman has fallen overboard and is missing in the Bering Sea. The accident happened on July 3rd about 24 miles southeast of Umnak Island. The REBECCA IRENE is a 140-foot trawler owned by Rebecca Irene Fisheries, a Seattle-based fishing company. The search for the 38-year-old missing crewman, Nhial Opiew, was suspended by the Coast Guard on Sunday. Search efforts were reportedly hindered by low visibility. The details of the accident are unknown at this time and will probably be the subject of a Coast Guard Casualty Investigation
Four-Million-Dollar Settlement Reached for Jones Act Deckhand Injured By Explosion Aboard Fishing Vessel
Posted by: James M. Beard
July 01, 2009
A four-million-dollar settlement has been reached under the Jones Act for a deckhand injured in an explosion and flash fire aboard a fishing boat. The accident happened when a defective compressor for the circulating water system exploded, resulting in burns to the fishing vessel's engineer.
The settlement was reached with the vessel owners, the manufacturer of the compressor, and the refrigeration company who installed and designed the circulating seawater system. Liability was based upon claims of faulty design, negligent maintenance, defective equipment, and improper training.
ALASKA CREWMAN MEDEVACED FROM FISHING VESSEL
Posted by: James M. Beard
April 08, 2009
An injured crewman from the fishing vessel Collier Brothers has been medevaced from the vessel by a Coast Guard helicopter based in Kodiak. The 19-year-old crewman, Michael Calahan, reportedly severely injured his right arm while working with hydraulic equipment. The injured crewman was taken to Kodiak Island Medical Center for treatment where his condition was reported as stable. The Collier Brothers was 34 miles northeast of Kodiak Island when the accident happened. The vessel is home ported in Portland, Oregon. The full facts of the accident are unknown at this time.
Working as a commercial fisherman in Alaska remains one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Crewmen injured while working aboard fishing vessels are protected by Federal Maritime Law.
Crewman Aboard American Seafoods Northern Eagle Suffers Head Injury in Alaska
Posted by: James M. Beard
March 25, 2009
A crewman aboard the F/V Northern Eagle was airlifted from the vessel by a Coast Guard helicopter after reportedly falling down a 15-foot elevator shaft. The 23-year-old crewman is reported to have suffered head injuries. The Northern Eagle, which is reportedly owned and operated by American Seafoods, is a 341-foot fishing vessel home ported in Seattle, Washington. The vessel is a large catcher/processor/factory-type trawler with a crew of approximately 100 on board. At the time of the accident the vessel was fishing northeast of Dutch Harbor. Further details of the accident have not yet been released.
ALASKA CRAB FISHERMAN LOST OFF SEABROOKE
Posted by: James M. Beard
January 15, 2009
Tragedy has struck again in the Alaska crab fleet. On January 6, 2009 Keith Criner of Stockton, CA was pulled overboard while fishing on the SEABROOKE, 22 miles northwest of Cold Bay. Reports indicate that Criner got tangled up in a crab pot line while setting gear, and was pulled overboard. The Coast Guard called off the search for the crewman after an extensive air search failed to locate him. The SEABROOKE is home-based in Kodiak, AK. Despite heightened awareness of the need for vessel safety, working as a fisherman in Alaska remains one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. The 2008 year resulted in multiple vessel sinkings, with loss of crewmen's lives, including the sinking of the Alaska Ranger and the KATMAI.
CREWMAN SUFFERS NECK INJURY ABOARD MISSISSIPPI RIVER SHRIMPING VESSEL
Posted by: Joseph S. Stacey
August 13, 2008
A 37-year old crewman had to be evacuated after suffering a neck injury while working aboard a shrimping vessel near New Orleans on Tuesday. The man was transported to West Jefferson Hospital for treatment.
Neck injuries are particularly dangerous and occur all too frequently on vessels of all kinds. Some factors that can contribute to these sorts of injuries include overly slippery decks, hazardous layouts of ships, dangerous or defective equipment, or the lack of a handrail. If you have been injured while working aboard a ship, be sure to find out about your rights under maritime law as soon as possible. Contact the lawyers at Beard Stacey Trueb & Jacobsen for a free consultation, and visit our website.
COAST GUARD SEARCHING FOR TWO MISSING CREWMEMBERS
Posted by: Joseph S. Stacey
July 21, 2008
Two crewmembers aboard the freighter Maratha Messenger fell overboard at around 3:30 am yesterday. The two crewmembers were trying to raise an accommodation ladder when they fell overboard in the lower Mississippi River. They were not wearing life jackets.
The Coast Guard Stations New Orleans and Venice are cooperating on this search and rescue mission, and have deployed two 41-foot utility boats and a Dolphin rescue helicopter. Our thoughts and hopes are with the crewmembers, and we will keep you updated as the search progresses.
AT-SEA GAS EXPOSURE CAUSES DEATH OF CREWMEMBER
Posted by: Joseph S. Stacey
June 17, 2008
38-year-old William C. Roberts, an employee of Jubilee Fisheries aboard the fishing vessel Zenith, died tragically of Freon gas exposure in April.
TWO INJURIES IN TWO DAYS FOR VIRGINIA TUG WORKERS
Posted by: Joseph S. Stacey
June 02, 2008
Two tug wokers suffered injuries that required medical evacuation in Virginia this weekend. A crewmember aboard the tug vessel Ranger suffered a hand crushed by an anchor and a crewmember of the tug vessel East Coast suffered another injury.
Injuries such as these can be career-ending for professional seamen, and are usually avoidable. Things like boat instability and a lack of safety precautions and procedures often contribute to accidents that lead to injury. Injured seamen may be entitled to maintenance and cure, which means that employers pay an injured worker's living expenses and medical bills during recovery. In some cases, if the owner of the vessel is found to have been negligent, injured seamen are entitled to damages for pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and future care needs.
If you have been injured while working at sea, be sure to find out about your legal rights under maritime law and the Jones Act. Call the experienced maritime lawyers at Beard Stacey Trueb & Jacobsen for a free consultation to discuss your claim, and visit our website to learn more about the Jones Act and the rights of seamen under maritime law.
MECHANICAL PROBLEM LIKELY CAUSE OF FATAL HELICOPTER CRASH
Posted by: Joseph S. Stacey
May 29, 2008
Weather has been ruled out as a factor in the April 15 helicopter crash that killed three Alaska state employees and their pilot.
FISHERMAN SUFFERS GRAPHIC EYE INJURY
Posted by: Joseph S. Stacey
August 20, 2007
A commercial fisherman offshore from Coos Bay, Ore. suffered a grisly fishing accident on Thursday. A large, commercial-size fishing hook somehow became lodged in the man's left eye, and was plunged so deeply that it protruded through his brow.
COAST GUARD SEARCHING FOR FALLEN TANKER CREWMAN
Posted by: Joseph S. Stacey
August 06, 2007
A massive, multi-agency search continues for a tanker ship crewman who fell overboard 20 miles south of Ambrose Channel, the main shipping lanes to and from the Port of New York and New Jersey, at 10 a.m. Sunday.
TOWING VESSEL ORDERED TO CEASE OPERATIONS AFTER CASUALTY; MASTER OF VESSEL IMPROPERLY LICENSED
Posted by: Joseph S. Stacey
August 01, 2007
The Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Miami, Capt. Karl L. Schultz, issued a Captain of the Port Order to the towing vessel Megan Garrett Friday, restricting the vessel from operation until conditions of the order are met.
