Fisherman Sustains Severe Burns on the F/V Mariah K

On August 20, 2024, a fishing vessel caught fire about 50 miles off the coast of Brookings, Oregon. The MARIAH K was carrying three fishermen at the time of the blaze. Crew member Emanuel Silveira is currently in critical condition after suffering severe burns.

According to Petty Officer Briana Carter of the U.S. Coast Guard 13th District, the fire was reported by the nearby sportfishing vessel, ELI’S TIDE at approximately 8 p.m. The crew of ELI’S TIDE also assisted with rescue efforts.

The three fishermen jumped overboard and were rescued by a 47-foot motor lifeboat from the Chetco River Coast Guard Station. One rescued crewmember required a medevac by the Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay aircrew, and all three were transported to UCSF Health Saint Francis Hospital in San Francisco. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Jaimie Ouellette, Mr. Silveira’s mother-in-law, has establised a GoFundMe page for Emanuel Silveira and his young family. Silveira is expected to remain hospitalized for at least three months as he begins treatment for the burns that cover 60% of his body.

Injuries caused by marine fires and explosions are some of the most painful and debilitating types of injuries. Burns can cause serious and permanent harm and must be treated immediately. Victims who suffer these types of injuries are protected by Federal Maritime Law. Fishermen and crewmembers who are injured due to unseaworthiness or negligence are entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, psychological injuries, lost wages, lost wage-earning capacity, disfigurement, vocational retraining, and future health care expenses. In nearly every case, the injured party is entitled to maintenance and cure which includes the payment of all necessary medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. It should be noted that injured crew members also have the right to choose their own doctor/physician.

It is important that an investigation begin immediately. What were the circumstances before the injury occurred? It is imperative that evidence is collected and preserved by experts in the field. The lawyers at Stacey and Jacobsen, PLLC are some of the most experienced attorneys in the nation and work closely with industry experts to investigate the causes of accidents and how they could have been avoided. If you or a loved one has been injured at sea, please call today for a free consultation.