The United States Coast Guard is looking for a 31-year old man who fell overboard early Tuesday morning near Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The individual, whose name has not been released, was working aboard a crabbing vessel about two miles south of Frog Island in Albemarle Sound when he fell overboard. Coast Guard officials report that the man was climbing on crab pots on the vessel’s deck when he fell in. The vessel’s captain immediately stopped and anchored the vessel, however was not able to locate the crabber because he did not resurface. A Good Samaritan who was nearby called the Coast Guard at 9:10 a.m. to report the crabber had fallen overboard. A Coast Guard helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City and a rescue boat crew from Station Elizabeth City were immediately dispatched to begin searching for the man. The crabber was not wearing a life jacket and is reportedly unable to swim.
The law office of Beard Stacey Trueb & Jacobsen, PLLC strongly urges all mariners to wear the proper safety equipment while working aboard a vessel. This equipment will significantly help save your life should an accident such as this occur. The maritime lawyers at Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC represent injured mariners throughout the nation in claims involving the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. For any questions regarding maritime law or injuries sustained while working aboard a vessel, contact us at 206.282.3100 or visit our website at atsealawyer.com.
Updated: