The U.S. Coast Guard issued a notice setting the minimum random drug testing rate for covered crewmembers on U.S. vessels for the year 2010 at 50%. Employees involved in serious marine incidents involving injuries, loss of life, collisions, sinkings, etc. must also be tested for drug and alcohol within two…
Maritime Injury Law Blog
32 FOOT GILL NET BOAT LIMIT TO STAY IN PLACE IN BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA
The 32 foot limit on salmon drift boats in Bristol Bay will stay in place. The Alaska Board of Fisheries failed to pass a proposal to repeal the 32 foot limit during its December, 2009 meeting in Anchorage. The board vote on the proposal was deadlocked at 3-3 with one…
SINKING CRAB BOAT TOWED TO CRESCENT CITY
On Wednesday, a small crab fishing vessel with four people on board began taking on water about one mile south of Crescent City Harbor. The Coast Guard responded to the Mayday by dispatching a 47 foot motor life boat, and an MH Dolphin Helicopter from Humbolt Bay. The vessel was…
NEWPORT OREGON AND BELLINGHAM WASHINGTON CONTINUE TO BATTLE OVER NOAA HOME PORT
The Government Accounting Office has upheld an appeal of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s, ( NOAA), decision to relocate its home port from Seattle to Newport. The decision to appeal the move was made by the Port of Bellingham who claimed that NOAA did not consider the fact that…
COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN FREQUENTLY SEEN IN MARITIME INJURY CASES
Working as a crewman aboard a ship, tug, barge or fishing vessel, constantly exposes crewman to the risk of injuries to their hands, feet, arms and legs. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a frequent complication of those hand, feet, arm, and leg injuries that requires early diagnosis and treatment…
MORE DETAILS RELEASED ON DEATH OF ILWACO FISHERMAN
The crewman who was lost overboard the crab fishing boat BALLAD has been identified as Steve Neva of Ilwaco, Washington. Clatsop County recovery divers found Neva’s body caught in crab gear and lines wrapped in the propellor shaft. Evidence indicates that he was trapped beneath vessel. There was no indication…
F/V BALLAD LOSES CREWMAN OFF COLUMBIA RIVER BAR
A 32 years old crewman was lost overboard and drown Wednesday while working on the crab boat BALLAD. The accident happened 10 miles from the Columbia River Entrance. The man was reported to be wearing only rain gear and no flotation work vest at the time of the accident. The…
WASHINGTON STATE SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS SANCTIONS FOR DISCOVERY ABUSE CLEARING WAY FOR REINSTATEMENT OF $ 8 MILLION DOLLAR JUDGMENT
In a landmark decision, the Washington State Supreme Court has reinstated an 8 million dollar default judgment entered in favor of a car crash victim seriously injured while a passenger in a Hyundai Accent. The Washington State Supreme Court stated that trial courts need not tolerate deliberate and willful discovery…
THREE RESCUED FROM SINKING FISHING VESSEL NEAR COOS BAY OREGON
Three crewman were rescued Tuesday from the 38 foot fishing vessel MANATEE. The vessel began taking on water near the entrance to Coos Bay, Oregon. The United States Coast Guard sent a 47 foot motor life boat to rescue the crewmen. The vessel reportedly sank and an investigation into the…
STATE OF ALASKA TO PAY OUT OF STATE FISHERMAN $ 70 MILLION
Fisherman from outside of the State of Alaska who paid “out of state fees” for commercial fishing licenses and permits from 1984 to 2004 will receive up to $ 70 million dollars in compensation. As the result of a class action lawsuit filed in 1984, the Alaska Court has ruled…