Bornstein Seafood in Astoria, Oregon has closed until further notice due to an outbreak of COVID-19. Clatsop County Public Health began an investigation on May 4, 2020, after an employee at Bornstein Seafood tested positive for the deadly virus. More than one-third of 35 employees tested on Monday were positive…
Maritime Injury Law Blog
Alaska Fishing Season Begins Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Salmon fishing season is about to begin, but nothing is business as usual this year. In just a few weeks, about 400 fishermen and processing workers will arrive in Cordova, Alaska for the opening of King Salmon and Copper River Sockeye season. The town of Cordova has a full-time population…
Crewmember Sustains Severe Burns on the F/V Bountiful
A 43-year-old man was medevaced after sustaining severe burns while aboard the F/V BOUNTIFUL. The vessel was located approximately 46 miles southwest of Saint Paul, Alaska at the time of the injury. Watchstanders received the call at approximately 9:56 a.m. that a crewmember had been severely burned. After a brief…
F/V Scandies Rose Sinking Investigation: What to Expect
We are deeply saddened by the recent news of the sinking of the F/V SCANDIES ROSE in Alaskan waters. We have been practicing maritime law for over 35 years and have handled dozens of sinking cases. Yet, the news of such a disaster is always shocking, tragic, and heartbreaking. The…
Four Fishermen Rescued after F/V Sea Angels Runs Aground
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued four fishermen on Monday, December 9th after the F/V SEA ANGELS ran aground near Browns Inlet, North Carolina. The 88-foot fishing vessel reported that they were experiencing mechanical issues when they called Coast Guard Sector North Carolina requesting assistance. A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station…
U.S. Coast Guard Designates New Coast Guard Cities in Alaska and Washington
Those who work at sea know the importance of the U.S. Coast Guard as first responders. This work is so vital to the maritime trades that they have designated two new cities as “Coast Guard Cities”, Cordova, Alaska and Westport, Washington. This program was created in 1998 by the United…
Three Fishermen Lost at Sea in Massachusetts
It is with great sadness that we report that the U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for three missing fishermen near Massachusetts. An Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon (EPIRB) alert from F/V LEONARDO was received by the U.S. Coast Guard District One command center on Sunday at 3:18 P.M.…
Fisherman Suffers Severe Hand Injury Aboard F/V Arctic Storm
A fisherman working aboard the F/V ARCTIC STORM suffered a severe hand injury on Monday, November 18th. The call reporting the injury came to watchstanders at the U.S Coast Guard Sector North Bend at 3:42 p.m. Monday, November 18th. The vessel was located about 34 miles west of Newport, Oregon…
Muffin Monster Grinders, Guards, and Worker Safety
Processing fish at sea has numerous benefits. At-sea-processing offers consumers the freshest product, reduces waste due to spoilage, and minimizes transportation fuel costs. But what happens to the waste products such as fish heads, fins and internal fish organs? They cannot simply be thrown overboard as they are considered “garbage”.…
Modified Vessels Require New Stability Reports
Vessel stability refers to the ability of a vessel to return to its upright position after being heeled over by wind, waves, or other forces. If a vessel is not stable, it is susceptible to capsizing. Each vessel is unique and therefore needs its own stability report prepared by a…