Barge Washes Up on New York Beach After Detaching From Tugboat

A 125-foot deck barge washed up on Atlantic Beach in New York on January 14 after detaching from a tugboat that sank into the Atlantic Ocean. The tug and barge were separated after a “large swell” around 7:30 p.m. on January 13, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

A maritime worker on board the tugboat at the time of the accident was rescued by a New York Police helicopter and reported no injuries. The barge was carrying construction equipment and washed up the next day on the beach near Siler Point County Park. The U.S. Coast Guard plans to wait until high tide to attempt to remove the barge with another tugboat.

The incident is still under investigation by the Coast Guard. The tugboat and barge were originally heading for Weeks Marine Shipyard in New York City after a construction job on the Robert Moses Causeway Bridge. Atlantic Beach residents that witnessed the barge on the shore were very surprised by the event. One witness said they had “never, ever seen one obviously on the beach or even anywhere close to the beach.”

Tug and barge accidents can be extremely dangerous for the maritime workers on board when lines fray or break. Tug and barge workers frequently work in adverse weather and can suffer from fatigue due to long hours and inadequate staffing. Many barge accidents are preventable if proper safety precautions are taken. If you or a loved one have been injured while working on a tug and barge, you may be able to seek compensation, as well as maintenance and cure during recovery from your injuries.

I Have Been Injured Working at Sea- Now What?

When you suffer an injury at sea due to someone’s negligence, you deserve justice and compensation. Our nationwide maritime attorneys have a deep understanding of the relevant federal and international laws regarding maritime accidents, and we can help you recover from your injuries. Contact our office today to learn more about your rights as a maritime worker.

Latti & Anderson’s Little Extra: Maintenance and cure is paid to injured or ill seamen regardless of fault for their injuries.

Latti & Anderson LLP– Nationwide maritime attorneys

Source:  http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/01/14/125-foot-deck-barge-ends-up-on-l-i-beach-after-tugboat-sinks/