NTSB Urges Vessel Owners to Provide Personal Locator Devices for Their Crews

Citing numerous instances where the use of personal locator devices could have potentially prevented casualties at sea, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a new safety alert recommending that the owners and operators of vessels equip crew members with personal locator devices. While the U.S. Coast Guard does not yet require the provision of…

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Schooner Injuries Highlight Risks for Cruise Passengers

A fall foliage cruise aboard the historic schooner  S/V GRACE BAILEY turned into a deadly tragedy when, without warning, the vessel’s main mast snapped and dropped to the deck. The mast collapse killed one person and seriously injured three others. Although the cause of the break is still under investigation, speculation suggests that more frequent…

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Recreational Boating Safety Can Prevent Senseless Tragedies

The word “safety” causes many people to roll their eyes, especially when safety is viewed as something that takes the fun out of a recreational activity such as boating. But when lack of safety causes serious accidents such as three different boat crashes in Dennis, Massachusetts; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Lake of Ozarks, people need to…

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The Danger of Double-Plated Hull Repairs

According to a report recently released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), it was most likely the use of double plating during the repair of a fishing vessel’s hull that caused the F/V GRACE MARIE to flood and sink off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts, last year. The agency warns against the danger this…

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Vessel Owner Can Be Held Liable for Attack by Crewmember

Courts and lawmakers have long treated incidents at sea by different standards than those that apply on land. “Sailors lead a rough life,” courts have noted, observing that they are “more apt to use their fists than office employees.” This characterization of maritime professions has been used as justification for not holding shipowners accountable for…

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Coast Guard Issues New Guidance for Reporting Sexual Misconduct on U.S. Vessels

Victims of sexual misconduct at sea may take some comfort in knowing that the U.S. Coast Guard has established new reporting options and consolidated reporting for all types of sexual misconduct on U.S. flagged vessels. This includes all incidents of “harassment, sexual harassment, or sexual assault” that violate company policy. The “responsible entity” of a…

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Women Working at Sea Face Special Challenges

While women used to be restricted to very specific jobs, today women can be found working in every industry. But in some fields, the number of females remains very limited and are only 2% of the 1.2 million seafarers worldwide. The maritime industry is one of those fields where participation by women is more of…

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Understanding and Preventing Propeller and Other Watercraft Injuries

Boat propellers and watersports accidents frequently cause horrific injuries. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that the propeller on a typical recreational boat can inflict 160 impacts in one second. And in far less than a second, a propeller can travel down the human body from head to toe, chewing up bone and tissue and causing…

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Be on Guard Against Sexual Assault as Sea Year Resumes

Last fall’s report from an anonymous cadet at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy once again raised the ugly specter of sexual assault at sea. Her public account of rape during her Sea Year experience prompted others to come forward and share stories of similar attacks. Sexual assault is more common than most industry insiders want…

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Maritime Workers are Vulnerable to Sexual Assault at Sea

Sexual harassment and assault can be horrific in any circumstances. When a victim is assaulted on a working vessel at sea, however, the nightmare may seem to have no end. These victims of sexual misconduct are isolated from help and can be forced to live and work with their assailant under excruciating circumstances. Maritime workers…

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The Dangers of Colder Water Temperatures 

As the temperatures in the waters are decreasing with the cold weather arriving, it is important for boaters to prepare appropriately when going out.   Even a temperature that doesn’t sound cold can be deadly for boaters who end up in the water. Because water that is 70 degrees or less can cause hypothermia, the U.S.…

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Staying Safe in Rough Waters

The ocean is one of the most beautiful and wild places on planet Earth, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. Injuries and deaths on the water are all too common. That’s why water safety is a critical part of boating, whether you’re on the water for work or pleasure. If you’ve been injured…

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What You Can Do If You Are The Victim Of Maritime Harassment

Harassment is not the first hazard people associate with working at sea, but it is a prevalent threat that causes serious harm for many mariners. If you suffered from harassment, aggressive or threatening treatment, or unwelcome sexual advances while working on a boat or ship, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm you’ve…

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Common Causes of Accidents for Maritime Workers

Dangerous accidents are unfortunately all too common for those employed on working vessels such as tugs and tankers. While every case involves unique factors, there are some mistakes that operators make over and over, sometimes with deadly results. Many of the most common causes of accidents for maritime workers can be traced to fatigue and…

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Women’s Work: At Sea, On shore, At Home, In the Community Exhibit

On September 9th a new exhibit is opening up at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, called Women’s Work: At Sea, On shore, At Home, In the Community. The exhibit will shine a light on the many roles women play in commercial fishing communities. As Carolyn Latti, who was one of the few women maritime attorneys on…

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What Are The Maritime Laws Regarding Marijuana Use on Ships

Despite the trend toward legalization of marijuana in the states, the substance remains classified as an illegal drug under U.S. federal law. In fact, federal law places marijuana in the most dangerous drug category along with heroin and LSD. That means that if you’re on a boat in federally patrolled waters, you could be convicted…

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Massachusetts Lawyer Weekly Features Experienced Maritime Attorney Carolyn M. Latti

A recent ruling from a U.S. District Court determined that Massachusetts courts do not have personal jurisdiction over the Panama owner and Singapore operator of a container ship that damaged a MassPort terminal.  Massachusetts Lawyer Weekly featured experienced maritime attorney Carolyn M. Latti’s take on the matter. “We see it in our cases on the…

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What are the Most Common Accidents on Board Ships?

Unlike car accidents or slip and fall cases where attorneys see the same type of accident over and over, there is no “common” type of accident on board a ship. Each maritime accident is truly unique with an outcome based on a distinctive set of circumstances.  However, in our years of practicing maritime law at…

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We invite you to support New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, Inc.

Latti & Anderson LLP has been a proud sponsor of the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center for many years. Like cultural organizations around the world, the Center was forced to close to the public for nearly four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the support of generous donors, the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center…

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Judge rules SSA negligent in 2017 fast ferry crash

A federal court judge ruled in favor of passengers and workers who were injured when the IYANOUGH crashed into a 3,000-foot-long rock breakwater in Hyannisport. On behalf of its clients, Latti & Anderson LLP filed a motion in Federal Court seeking the Court to find that the Steamship Authority was negligent in the crash in…

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New England Fishing Boat F/V EMMY ROSE Sinks

Almost a year to the date of the sinking of the New Bedford fishing vessel the F/V LEONARDO on November 24, 2019, the New England fishing community faced another tragedy with the sinking of the F/V EMMY ROSE, which is homeported in Portland, Maine and owned by Boat Aaron & Melissa, Inc. The crew on…

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Big Boats, Little Boats

Join Latti & Anderson LLP at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center’s Big Boats, Little Boats event on Saturday, September 28th from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Attorneys from Latti & Anderson LLP will be handing out free coffee mugs, scallop knives and treats for scallopers, and will be available for any maritime law questions…

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Fourth of July Boating Safety Tips

Latti and Anderson LLP expects the Coast Guard to be busy this coming fourth of July based upon Memorial Day numbers. Just in the Mid-Atlantic region of New Jersey to North Carolina, there were 49 search and rescue cases reported in the unofficial summer recreational boating season kickoff.  Latti and Anderson LLP, suggests you follow…

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New Ruling Poses Challenges to Mariners Injured on the Job

In late June, the U.S. Supreme Court passed a ruling that will affect the claims of maritime workers in personal injury and wrongful death actions. While the new ruling has created a split in the law as to the type of damages people injured or who died on the water can recover depending whether they…

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Coast Guard Report Details Findings of Concern in M/V Iyanough Crash

Last week, the United States Coast Guard, “USCG”, issued “Findings of Concern” related to the M/V IYANOUGH crash of June 16, 2017.  It took nearly 2 years to complete the USCG work of the M/V IYANOUGH crash that resulted in more than 15 injuries with the investigation closed on May 24, 2019.  The Investigative Report…

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Wheelhouse Technology from Sounding Leads to Satellites

New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center’s Wheelhouse Technology from Sounding Leads to Satellites Exhibit June 13, 2019 Latti and Anderson LLP, suggests you set your GPS for 38 Bethel Street New Bedford this Thursday, June 13 at 7 pm for the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center’s Wheelhouse Technology from Sounding Leads to Satellites Exhibit. This Exhibit…

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Boating Safety Checklist for New Englanders

New England Coast Guard Releases Boating Safety Checklist for Summer 2019 Latti and Anderson LLP joins the Coast Guard in welcoming the unofficial start to Summer this past weekend. The Memorial Day holiday is a special time of year for the long-suffering New Englanders who have endured cold temperatures, Nor’easters, Snow, Sleet, and just about…

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Free Vessel Stability Workshop for Commercial Fisherman

Free, All- Day Fishing Vessel Stability Workshop January 14, 2019 On January 14, 2019, the Fishing Partnership is having a FREE all-day Vessel Stability workshop for commercial fisherman called “Upright & Watertight.” The workshop “prepares attendees to respond to these situations by incorporating practical information with hands-on training. Attendees will review case studies of actual fishing…

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New England Fishing Boat F/V Mistress Sinks

The New England fishing community faces a tragedy with the start of the New Year with the sinking of the F/V MISTRESS which is based out of Point Judith Rhode Island and its owner is Hope Fisheries, Inc. At approximately 1:30 am on January 1, 2019, the captain of the F/V MISTRESS issued a mayday…

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A Note from Latti and Anderson LLP

Latti and Anderson LLP would like to take a moment to wish you and your family health and happiness this holiday season. We continue to work for the maritime community in assisting with injuries or death resulting from negligence and unseaworthiness of vessels.  This year, Latti & Anderson LLP helped a New Bedford scallop fisherman…

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Five Winter Boating Safety Tips You Need to Know

Winter is finally here, which means the season for water recreation is over. However, die-hard boaters and mariners often stay out on the water all year. This makes it important for these hobbyists to practice cold weather safety measures to ensure that they will make it home safe. Whether you are new to winter boating…

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What Lessons Did the 2017 NTSB Maritime Accident Report Teach Us?

Each year, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) puts together a report called Safer Seas Digest. This publication is aimed at helping mariners and boat owners prevent future accidents. It details the accident investigations completed that year and the lessons learned from those incidents. Here are some of the lessons we learned from this year’s…

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Has the Sinking of El Faro Changed Maritime Law?

On October 1, 2015, the cargo vessel El Faro disappeared on its way to San Juan, Puerto Rico. According to the Coast Guard, the vessel sailed too close to Hurricane Joaquin and sank, taking the lives of all 33 people on board. Now, Congress is trying to prevent similar tragedies from happening. Will this new…

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Could Maritime Law Help the Victims of the F/V Captain Billy Haver Attack?

When it comes to the rights of seamen and fishermen, maritime law and the Jones Act provide many protections. These provisions can even help protect those who are injured by fellow crew members while working over open water. Now, the crew of a fishing vessel and their families may have to use these laws due…

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Here’s Why Northeast Boaters Are Being Asked to Label and Secure Their Paddlecraft

The United States Coast Guard is asking Boston residents to carefully label their canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards with their names and phone numbers. This requirement comes after a huge increase of cases this summer that involved unmanned and floating paddlecraft that were adrift and seemingly abandoned. Why Do Boston Residents Need to Label and…

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Fatal Accidents Call Safety of Duck Boat Tours into Question

After the fatal duck boat accident in Missouri that killed 17 passengers, the importance of safety on these boats has been at the forefront of conversation. The Missouri accident involved bad weather and inaccessible life jackets. Boston duck boat companies claim that they have changed their safety regulations recently, and that drivers are receiving special…

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How Did the United States Coast Guard Rescue 49 People From This Lost Yacht?

The Coast Guard recently discovered a yacht carrying 49 people on Lake Michigan without a properly functioning navigation system. The 56-foot motor boat named Serenity was found by the Coast Guard with the assistance of a passenger who was worried the operator had been driving disoriented in the heavy fog near the Chicago Harbor. This…

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Why Did the United States Coast Guard Terminate This Yacht Voyage?

One of the main reasons that there are various boating accidents during the summer is because one or both of the vessels involved in the accident was unsafe. All recreational boats are required to have updated safety codes on board in order to protect their passengers. Unfortunately, some boating trips are terminated by the United…

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