Crewman Lost at Sea After Hull Accident
According to Professional Mariner, a crewmember painting the side of a bulk carrier fell into the Gulf of Mexico last December off the Texas coast and investigators were not able to locate his body.
The news source reported that the accident alongside the CF Crystal, near the Texas coast, while the man was painting the side of its hull. Apparently, the man was not wearing a life jacket and the lines to his bosun’s chair (the chair holding him as he was doing maintenance) failed. The U.S. Coast Guard is continuing to investigate the accident.
A representative with the Coast Guard said that the vessel’s rescue boat had an engine malfunction, which prevented a rescue by other crewmembers. Changhong Group HK Ltd. in Shanghai, according to Professional Mariner, owns the 738-foot bulk carrier, which had Chinese flags. Crewmembers aboard the vessel reportedly attempted to throw the man a life ring after he fell, but they could not reach him.
The accident occurred about 10 miles from the Sabine Pass anchorage. As of March, authorities were still trying to contact the man’s family to let them know about the accident.
My Loved One Died in a Vessel Accident. What are My Legal Rights?
Even though the accident above involved a Chinese vessel, it does show the danger that crewmembers face when doing maintenance aboard a ship. If your loved dies in a maritime accident involving a U.S. vessel, you should speak to an attorney about your legal rights.
Our maritime attorneys have represented victims across the county and have filed wrongful death claims under the Death on the High Seas Act (DOSHA), and other state and federal laws. We investigate fatal accidents thoroughly, determining the best way to proceed with litigation to obtain damages. While money will not bring your loved one back, it can help your family recover.
In the video above, attorney Carolyn Latti explains how our firm covers all angles when investigating a maritime case. For more information about maritime accident news, visit our Facebook or Twitter pages, and continue to follow our blog.
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