90-Year-Old Maine Lobsterman Ready to Get Back to Work After Jumping Off Sinking Vessel

Lobsterman Philip Tuttle left his wife a note on June 8 that said he was heading out to check a trap and would be right back. When the 90-year-old failed to return in time for dinner, his family knew something was wrong. The Bangor Daily News reported that Tuttle’s 26-foot lobster boat, THE QUEEN TUT, began taking on water after hitting ledges near Long Point, Maine.

“I saw the plug float away and I thought, ‘This is bad,’” Tuttle told the News. “Then the water came in so fast. I was trying to get a life jacket out and I didn’t have time … I went down into the cabin to try to get a life jacket and there was only about [8 inches] of air. Then I took one last breath and ducked to [swim] out.”

Tuttle grabbed a display buoy and swam about 30 yards to rocks near Hen Island. While the News reported that Tuttle’s legs were heavily bandaged, he reportedly laughed when asked if he plans to haul traps again in the near future.

“Course,” Tuttle said. “On Thursday, I think. I’m ready. I’m going to be. I’ll be all right.”

When vessel owners and employers fail to adhere to safety regulations, many lobstermen sustain injuries that are far more serious, possibly even fatal. The Jones Act attorneys at Latti & Anderson LLP have been representing injured lobstermen and maritime workers for over 50 years, and families can be entitled to compensation if their loved ones sustained injuries or died in a lobster fishing accident that was caused by equipment failure, inexperienced crew or improper procedures. We will take a closer look at Maine and some of the areas of the Pine Tree State concerning commercial fishermen in a post later this week. You can contact our firm at (800) 392-6072 to arrange a free consultation or complete the form on this page to let our Jones Act lawyers review your case.

Latti & Anderson LLP – Jones Act attorneys