Maritime Law

What Employment Rights Are Available To Fishermen Who Have Been Affected By Covid-19?

Covid-19 has impacted the entire fishing industry from limited trips to low-price on catch. Unfortunately, fishermen are exposed to Covid-19 on fishing vessels and contracting the virus. Latti & Anderson LLP has received calls from fishermen who have contracted the virus, wondering what their rights are while they are recuperating and after they have recovered.   … Continue reading What Employment Rights Are Available To Fishermen Who Have Been Affected By Covid-19?

How Are Fishermen Protected Under Maritime Law Against Illness Like COVID-19?

Working on any type of vessel with the Covid-19 pandemic can be a challenging situation. For crew members issues such as the following may arise: What happens if I get Covid-19 after working on a vessel – what are my rights? What if my symptoms appear once I return home and I have to quarantine … Continue reading How Are Fishermen Protected Under Maritime Law Against Illness Like COVID-19?

Fishermen: Not Getting Paid Wages from Fishing Trips?

Whether it is a result of the Covid-19 pandemic or not, boat owners appear to have fallen on hard times and crew members are suffering. Recently, Latti & Anderson LLP has received an increase in calls from fishermen who have not been paid their wages from completed fishing trips. Vessel owners know that it’s going … Continue reading Fishermen: Not Getting Paid Wages from Fishing Trips?

New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center’s Big Boats, Little Boats

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 … Continue reading Big Boats, Little Boats

The Filing of the Petition of Limitation of Liability-What Does This Mean for the Families of Passengers and Crew of the Conception?

Yesterday, the owners of the dive boat CONCEPTION, Truth Aquatics Inc., filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court in Los Angeles to limit and possibly, eliminate, their liability in the fire and sinking of the CONCEPTION and the death of 33 passengers and crew, while the NTSB and investigators are searching diligently to discover answers … Continue reading The Filing of the Petition of Limitation of Liability-What Does This Mean for the Families of Passengers and Crew of the Conception?

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 … Continue reading Fourth of July Boating Safety Tips

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 … Continue reading New Ruling Poses Challenges to Mariners Injured on the Job

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

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 … Continue reading Wheelhouse Technology from Sounding Leads to Satellites

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 … Continue reading Boating Safety Checklist for New Englanders

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 … Continue reading Free Vessel Stability Workshop for Commercial Fisherman

new england fishing boat f/v mistress sinks

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 … Continue reading New England Fishing Boat F/V Mistress Sinks

Maritime Law Latti & Anderson

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 … Continue reading A Note from Latti and Anderson LLP

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 … Continue reading Five Winter Boating Safety Tips You Need to Know

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

Boats docked

What Options Are Available to Longshoremen Who are Injured on the Docks?

The MV ANSAC Splendor was being moved to another loading hatch at the Port of Longview when something went wrong. A maritime grade line snapped and recoiled into the ship and toward the dock. The line hit at least two men and injured two others. Though one of the men who was hit went to … Continue reading What Options Are Available to Longshoremen Who are Injured on the Docks?

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 … Continue reading Has the Sinking of El Faro Changed Maritime Law?

Photo of the F/V CAPTAIN BILLY HAVER Coming into Port After Crew Member Attack

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

Boating Equipment

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

boat

What Boating Safety Concerns Are the Coast Guard and Connecticut River Task Force Addressing?

One of Massachusetts’ busiest waterways is the state’s portion of the Connecticut River. Because of this, the United States Coast Guard is partnering with the Connecticut River Task Force in order to address recreational boating safety boardings for this summer. This safety push is led by the Coast Guard Sector Boston law enforcement and other … Continue reading What Boating Safety Concerns Are the Coast Guard and Connecticut River Task Force Addressing?

Learn more about duck boat tour dangers from our blog.

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 … Continue reading Fatal Accidents Call Safety of Duck Boat Tours into Question

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

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

Updates on M/V IYANOUGH Crash Lawsuit Regarding the Claimants’ Answer to the Petition

In June 2017, a high-speed passenger ferry named the M/V IYANOUGH crashed into a jetty in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Initially, it was reported that fifteen people suffered injuries. The ferry is owned and operated by the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and the Nantucket Steamship Authority. The owner of the ferry filed a lawsuit,  to eliminate its … Continue reading Updates on M/V IYANOUGH Crash Lawsuit Regarding the Claimants’ Answer to the Petition

What Are the New Inspection Agreements That Vessel Operators Must Now Agree to?

The U.S. Coast Guard has recently issued a letter regarding the new Subchapter M for vessel inspections and new inspection agreements. They clearly state that “on July 20, 2018, vessel owners and operators will be responsible for ensuring that their vessels comply with the provisions of 46 CFR Subchapter M…vessels are required to obtain a … Continue reading What Are the New Inspection Agreements That Vessel Operators Must Now Agree to?

What Did the Coast Guard Find in Last Year’s Statistics Report for Recreational Boating?

On May 29, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) released a report that highlights statistics on recreational boating injuries and fatalities in 2017. Some of the statistics that were outlined in the report are alarming. What Did the Statistics Show About Boating Injuries and Fatalities? The statistics in the report showed some positive improvements in … Continue reading What Did the Coast Guard Find in Last Year’s Statistics Report for Recreational Boating?

How Should I Prepare for This Year’s Hurricane Season?

Each year, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) reminds the public how to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. The Atlantic Ocean hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30 and has its peak between mid-August and late October. You should have a hurricane preparedness plan in place for hurricane season. The USCG recommends … Continue reading How Should I Prepare for This Year’s Hurricane Season?

How to Protect Yourself from Cold-Water Exposure

Recreational water activities are particularly popular during the summer months, including paddle boarding, parasailing, kayaking and waterskiing. Unfortunately, warm weather during the summer doesn’t always mean there will be warm water. Cold-water immersion can be deadly. Are you planning to enjoy recreational water activities this summer? The United States Coast Guard (USCG) recommends taking the … Continue reading How to Protect Yourself from Cold-Water Exposure

Who Is Liable If I’m Injured on a Cruise Ship?

If you are a passenger on a cruise ship and get injured, there will be a few things you will have to prove in order to determine liability. The number one thing you will have to confirm in court is that the cruise ship operator was negligent in some way. This is the main way … Continue reading Who Is Liable If I’m Injured on a Cruise Ship?

How Does Maintenance and Cure Relate to My Maritime Injury?

If you are a merchant seaman or commercial fisherman, you may have heard of the phrase maintenance and cure in relation to work injuries. Maintenance and cure are special benefits that injured maritime workers can receive from an employer during their recovery process. Regardless of proving liability for your injuries, you as an injured seaman … Continue reading How Does Maintenance and Cure Relate to My Maritime Injury?

What is the Zone of Danger Test?

In Sawyer Brothers, Inc. et al v. Island Transporter, et al, , a maritime passenger case, the First Circuit adopted the zone of danger test used by other courts for a negligent infliction of emotion distress claim. In this case, Sawyer Brothers, Inc. hired Island Transporter, LLC to ferry three of its construction vehicles and … Continue reading What is the Zone of Danger Test?

How Do I Get Licensed to Drive a Recreational Boat in Massachusetts?

New Englanders love to rent and buy boats in order to enjoy their weekends or vacations on the freshwater rivers and lakes. As the weather gets warmer, you and your family might be interested in buying a boat to use near the Boston harbors. It’s important to know the process behind buying a boat and … Continue reading How Do I Get Licensed to Drive a Recreational Boat in Massachusetts?

Owners of the M/V IYANOUGH file Petition for Limitation of Liability

Last June, a high-speed passenger ferry crashed into a jetty in Hyannis, Massachusetts that left fifteen people injured. The ferry, named the M/V IYANOUGH and operated by the Wood’s Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority, crashed into the jetty a few miles from the dock. Due to heavy winds and rough seas, the evacuation … Continue reading Owners of the M/V IYANOUGH file Petition for Limitation of Liability

Coast Guard Aircrew Rescues Four People Off of Martha’s Vineyard

A Coast Guard aircrew rescued a group of four people from a sinking fishing vessel Wednesday night near Martha’s Vineyard. The fishing vessel, named F/V SEA STAR, radioed the Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England at 6:20 p.m. that night. They reported that their vessel was sinking and taking on water, and that they were … Continue reading Coast Guard Aircrew Rescues Four People Off of Martha’s Vineyard

Client Testimonial – Chris Curtis

Meet Latti & Anderson, LLP client, Chris Curtis. Our maritime injury attorneys represented Chris in a claim for an eye injury. We were able to settle this case for him out of court. In this video, watch Chris discuss his experience working with our law firm and explain why he would recommend us to other … Continue reading Client Testimonial – Chris Curtis

TRAGEDY STRIKES NEW ENGLAND FISHING COMMUNITY

Another tragedy has struck the local New England fishing community with the sinking of the F/V MISTY BLUE which is based in New Bedford but owned and operated by companies from Cape May, New Jersey of Atlantic Cape Fisheries, Inc. and F/V MISTY BLUE LLC.   Currently, the USCG, local agencies and good Samaritans are searching … Continue reading TRAGEDY STRIKES NEW ENGLAND FISHING COMMUNITY

FERRY IYANOUGH CRASHES OFF OF HYANNIS

On Friday night, the MV IYANOUGH, a ferry, crashed into a jetty in the entrance to Hyannis Harbor at 9:30 pm. It is reported that between six to fifteen people were injured.  On the MV IYANOUGH  were 48 passengers and six crew members as the vessel was going from Nantucket to Hyannis. The MV IYANOUGH was … Continue reading FERRY IYANOUGH CRASHES OFF OF HYANNIS

Safety Tips to Prevent and Fight Fishing Boat Fires

One of the last places you want to be when a fire breaks out is confined to a boat. You could become trapped, have to abandon ship or be the victim of an explosion if the fire reaches your vessel’s fuel supply. Therefore, for anyone who spends much time on the water, whether for business … Continue reading Safety Tips to Prevent and Fight Fishing Boat Fires

Did Duck Boat Safety Issues Lead to the Boston Super Tours Shutdown?

The list of duck boat companies in Boston just got a little bit shorter. According to Boston magazine, Boston Super Tours closed its doors for good on October 30th. Boston Super Tours is the company behind Upper Deck Trolley Tours as well as Super Duck Tours, which was a competitor of Boston Duck Tours. However, … Continue reading Did Duck Boat Safety Issues Lead to the Boston Super Tours Shutdown?

Will Refurbishing Dams and Seawalls Help Improve Boating Safety?

In early November, the state of Massachusetts introduced a program that will provide around $10 million in funding to refurbish seawalls and dams to improve boating safety. It is hoped that this funding will address the deterioration of coastal infrastructure that is critical to the safety of the region. Much of the funding, around $7.7 … Continue reading Will Refurbishing Dams and Seawalls Help Improve Boating Safety?

Do Commercial Fishermen Need More Safety Training?

Last week, New Bedford hosted a pair of boating safety training events for commercial fishermen, according to South Coast Today. The training sessions took place at the School for Marine Science and Technology at UMass Dartmouth on November 17 from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm and November 18 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The … Continue reading Do Commercial Fishermen Need More Safety Training?

Are Tugboat Accidents Common?

Tugboats are one of the most important and busiest vessels in the maritime industry. They can be separated into three types, each with their own function: Oceangoing tugs Harbor tugboats River tugboats Most are used to help ships into and out of the water. Additionally, they come to the rescue of ships, the fight fires … Continue reading Are Tugboat Accidents Common?

Should There Be a Law Requiring Workers to Wear Lifejackets on Commercial Fishing Boats

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) in the UK published separate reports on three commercial fishing accidents. In all cases, not one of the nine victims were wearing a lifejacket when they drowned. Per the report, at least four of these fishermen could have been saved if they had been wearing a lifejacket when they … Continue reading Should There Be a Law Requiring Workers to Wear Lifejackets on Commercial Fishing Boats

GreenLight a Vet to Show Support This Veterans Day

You may not know it, but green is the color of hope, well-being and renewal. This Veterans Day, the GreenLight a Vet movement is growing and helping others display their support for the brave men and women who have served this country. It’s easy! Just switch out an outside light with a green bulb, tag … Continue reading GreenLight a Vet to Show Support This Veterans Day

Things Passengers Need to Know About Filing Maritime Injury Claims

If you’re injured in a car accident, filing a claim can be simple. However, if you are a passenger injured in an accident at sea, filing maritime injury claims can be complicated. After all, you have to determine a few factors before you can file a claim, including: Was the ship seaworthy? Did the accident … Continue reading Things Passengers Need to Know About Filing Maritime Injury Claims

Are Burn Injuries Common on Board Vessels?

While ships are surrounded by water at sea, that does not mean they are impervious to fires, nor are maritime workers invulnerable to burns. Just last month, a flash fire occurred in a Virginia shipyard, which sent three workers to the hospital with severe burn injuries. Just a few months prior, a fire broke out … Continue reading Are Burn Injuries Common on Board Vessels?

What Makes a Vessel Unseaworthy?

A vessel is a broad term that is not limited to a ship or a boat. A vessel can also include production platforms, offshore oil rigs, barges, moored casino boats or even helicopters. Unseaworthiness is any unsafe condition on a vessel that causes injury. Ship owners and operators by law have a duty to ensure … Continue reading What Makes a Vessel Unseaworthy?

New Bedford Fishing Accident Prompts a Rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard

A fisherman required help from the U.S. Coast Guard when he sustained a severe hand laceration in a New Bedford fishing accident. According to the Coast Guard, the New Bedford-based fishing boat was brought to shore when it became obvious the fisherman required immediate medical attention. Are Hand Injuries Common in Fishing Accidents? Wrist and … Continue reading New Bedford Fishing Accident Prompts a Rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard

What are the Most Common Causes of Accidents On Board Ships?

While regulations have been introduced and implemented in the shipping industry to help make workers safer, there are several types of maritime accidents that seafarers are susceptible to and must be made aware of so they can take preventative measures. Workers Should Be Aware of the Following Hazards The most common types of accidents that … Continue reading What are the Most Common Causes of Accidents On Board Ships?

Are Tourist Boats Safe?

In 2010, two people drowned when a duck tour boat stalled and a river barged overran it. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the duck boat operator smelled smoke, and shut off the engine. The oncoming barge failed to receive any distress signal and the duck boat’s horn experienced a malfunction. Following the … Continue reading Are Tourist Boats Safe?

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