Maritime Injury Law Blog

Published on: July 22, 2025

Coast Guard Responds to F/V Navigator Fire, Sinking Off Santa Cruz

The U.S. Coast Guard, working with multiple partner agencies, responded to a boat fire and subsequent sinking approximately one mile off the shore of Santa Cruz early Wednesday morning on July 17^th, 2025. The F/V NAVIGATOR, a 45-foot vessel that had been fishing for squid, was at anchor when fire broke out onboard. The two fishermen aboard the vessel were rescued.

At 7:40 a.m., U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders received an urgent report that a 45-foot vessel was ablaze with two people on board. Watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast to alert mariners in the area. A boat crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Monterey was deployed, and coordination efforts began with local partner agencies.

Agencies involved in the response included:

Published on: July 22, 2025

Injured Maritime Worker Medevaced to Honolulu

by Nigel Stacey

A 41-year-old crew member suffering from a fractured arm and possible head injury was successfully medevaced from a cargo ship located approximately 1,000 miles northeast of Oahu on July 19^th, 2025. The bold rescue, coordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Honolulu, brought the injured mariner to safety after a multi-day transit.

The incident began around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17^th when JRCC Honolulu watchstanders received a call from Eastaway Ship Management. It was reported that a crew member aboard their 892-foot, Singapore-flagged cargo ship, the EA CHARA, had sustained a significant injury far out in the Pacific.

Following a consultation with a duty flight surgeon, who strongly recommended a medical evacuation, JRCC Honolulu established communication with the EA CHARA. This allowed them to monitor the patient’s condition as the cargo ship altered course and headed towards Oahu.

Published on: July 16, 2025

Tsunami Warning for Southern Alaska Coast

by Nigel Stacey

A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off Alaska’s Aleutian chain today, triggering a TSUNAMI WARNING for a 700-mile stretch of the state’s southern coast, from Homer to Unimak Pass. The quake, hitting 54 miles south of Sand Point shortly after 12:30 p.m., has put coastal communities on high alert.

Communities like King Cove, Unalaska, and Kodiak have issued immediate calls for residents to move to higher ground. Unalaska officials specifically advise moving at least 50 feet above sea level or a mile inland. Emergency shelters are reported to be open in Kodiak.

While initial reports indicate no significant damage from the first waves in Sand Point, authorities are treating this seriously. “We’re making sure communities are notified so they can activate their evacuation procedures,” stated Jeremy Zidek of the state’s emergency management division.

Published on: July 15, 2025

Dredging Project Begins at Unalaska Dutch Harbor in Alaska

by Nigel Stacey

A critical infrastructure project is officially underway in Alaska, which will significantly enhance navigation and strengthen the economy for one of the nation’s most vital fishing ports. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Alaska District has announced the beginning of dredging operations for the Unalaska-Dutch Harbor Channels Project. Work began in June, targeting a shallow bar that has been a challenge for larger vessels attempting to enter Iliuliuk Bay and access Dutch Harbor.

Dutch Harbor, consistently ranking among the top fishing ports in the United States by volume and value, is the cornerstone of the Alaskan and national seafood industry. However, the shallow bar at the entrance to Iliuliuk Bay has historically restricted the size of ships that can safely navigate the channel, particularly during certain tides. This hurdle has caused delays and increased operational costs for fishing fleets and cargo vessels as well as limiting growth and efficiency within the port.

The $9.2 million project, awarded to J.E. McAmis Inc. of Chico, California, is a collaborative effort with the City of Unalaska. Funded 75% by the federal government and 25% locally, the completed project should alleviate the historically long navigational constraints. The primary objective is to remove approximately 172,000 cubic yards of sediment from the channel. This will create a new, expanded channel measuring 600 feet by 600 feet, with a significantly increased depth of 58 feet. This deeper and wider passage will allow larger, more modern vessels to access Dutch Harbor with greater ease and safety, regardless of tidal conditions.

Published on: June 24, 2025

Tugboat Injury: Can the Jones Act Help Your Claim?

by Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC

Tugboats are essential for guiding large vessels into ports, assisting with construction projects, and supporting many marine operations. The crews who navigate these powerful vessels face unique hazards daily, from treacherous weather and heavy machinery to long hours and unpredictable conditions. When accidents happen, and a tugboat worker is injured, it is imperative that the worker understand their legal rights and the specific protections available.

Unlike shore workers who are covered by state workers’ compensation laws, injured tugboat workers fall under a distinct and more favorable set of federal maritime laws. The most significant of these is the Jones Act. This landmark legislation, officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, offers a powerful legal avenue for injured seamen to seek compensation from their employers.

The Jones Act is Essential Protection

Published on: June 17, 2025

Morning Midas Still Ablaze Off Alaskan Coast

by Nigel Stacey

The U.S. Coast Guard is actively working to extinguish a persistent fire aboard the car carrier MORNING MIDAS, located approximately 220 miles south of Adak, Alaska. The first salvage vessel has now reached the scene, joining the ongoing efforts.

The incident began on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, when smoke was detected on a deck full of electric vehicles. The MORNING MIDAS was transporting cargo from Yantai, China, to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico, when the fire erupted. Despite the crew’s emergency response and the activation of onboard fire suppression systems, the blaze intensified, forcing all 22 crew members to abandon ship.

The crew evacuated via lifeboat and were subsequently rescued by the merchant vessel COSCO HELLAS. Currently, the tug vessel GRETCHEN DUNLAP is on site with salvage personnel working to assess the conditions.

Published on: June 10, 2025

Tragedy at Sea: Surviving Two Weeks Adrift After Fishing Vessel Sinks

by Nigel Stacey

Alec Frydman was a young man pursuing a new path in life when he signed on for his first trip aboard a commercial fishing vessel. Tragically, that first voyage turned into a nightmare. In his powerful first-person account published in The Atlantic (June 2025), Alec recounts a violent storm that sank the fishing vessel, claiming the life of the captain and leaving Alec alone in a life raft for 14 days. He was the sole survivor. His harrowing story of survival has drawn national attention—and ultimately led him to seek legal counsel from maritime attorney and partner Nigel Stacey of Stacey and Jacobsen, PLLC.

Without warning, Frydman found himself alone, dehydrated, and without working emergency equipment. He survived through prayer, mental discipline, grit, and sheer willpower. His experience underscores the hazards encountered by maritime workers and emphasizes the necessity for well maintained, operational safety equipment.

Many survival tales share common themes of endurance, resilience, and the thin line between hope and despair. Alec’s account stands out for its emotional depth and clarity. Drifting without food, water, or contact, he entered what he describes as a “liminal” state, cut off from past and future, afloat in the terrifying now.

Published on: June 3, 2025

Seattle’s Expanding Maritime Sector

by Nigel Stacey

The maritime industry in Washington state, particularly within the Puget Sound region, is a thriving sector that offers diverse career opportunities both on shore and at sea. This part of the state’s economy contributed more than $45.9 billion in 2022 and provided more than 174,300 jobs.

These maritime professions are often financially rewarding, providing substantial wages. The average annual compensation for maritime workers in Washington state, including benefits, is estimated at $112,000. Even entry-level union positions can range from $55,000 to $140,000, highlighting the earning potential in this field.

To sustain this growth, there’s a strong focus on workforce development. Seattle is strategically positioning itself as a global hub for the maritime and clean energy economy, highlighting its commitment to future growth and innovation.

Published on: May 27, 2025

Jones Act Claims: What Your Employer Can and Cannot Do

by Nigel Stacey

The Jones Act, or the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, grants maritime workers the right to pursue a claim against their employer for negligence if an injury occurs during their employment. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, the Jones Act is a fault-based statute. This means that to succeed in a claim, the injured worker must show that their employer’s negligence or the negligence of a fellow crewmember directly contributed to the injury.

What an Employer Can Do in a Jones Act Claim

Upon notification of a maritime injury, an employer is entitled to undertake several actions as part of their investigation and defense:

Published on: May 20, 2025

Battling the Bering Sea: The High Stakes of Safety for Commercial Fishermen

by Nigel Stacey

Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, a significant part of the state’s economy, involves working in challenging marine environments. The pursuit of seafood means confronting hazardous conditions, which leads to injuries and fatalities each year. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Understanding the safety measures in place and the legal avenues available, such as the Jones Act, is important for those working at sea.

Working as a commercial fisherman in Alaska carries a greater risk of injury and death than many other jobs. Several factors contribute to these risks:

Challenging Weather and Icing: Alaska’s marine weather can change quickly. Sudden storms, strong winds, and large waves can make fishing difficult. Ice accumulating on vessels, particularly during colder seasons, can affect a boat’s stability.