Maritime Injury Law Blog

Published on: March 18, 2022

America’s Finest Crewmember Suffers Serious Foot Injuries

Watchstanders at the 17^th Coast Guard District command center in Juneau, AK received a medevac request after a crewmember aboard the 262-foot fish processor AMERICA’S FINEST suffered serious foot injuries.

The request is reported to have come from the vessel’s master at approximately 2:30am on Thursday, March 17^th. The vessel was located about 20 miles west of St. George Island at the time of the incident.

A US Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was deployed while the AMERICA’S FINEST vessel traveled toward Dutch Harbor. An HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Kodiak was also launched to provide additional support. The injured worker was hoisted at approximately 12:52pm, then flown to Dutch Harbor where LifeMed personnel were waiting.

Published on: March 8, 2022

Illegally Caught Halibut Seized in Alaska

by Nigel Stacey

Law enforcement crew members working on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter BAILEY BARCO found illegally caught fish after they boarded and searched a fishing vessel. The incident took place on February 19^th, while the vessel was located about 12 miles northeast of Kodiak, Alaska.

The 38-foot F/V COMPETITION was searched, and it was discovered that they were carrying 18 halibut and one ling cod during a closed season. Law enforcement personnel issued violations for possession of halibut during a closed fishery, and for operating beyond 3 nautical miles with an expired EPIRB hydrostatic release. The vessel was also operating without a current commercial fishing vessel safety examination. The catch was seized, then taken to Kodiak and turned over to NOAA Law Enforcement officers.

“Working with our partners in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, our enforcement efforts help the many legitimate Alaskan fishermen we encounter on a daily basis, ensuring nobody gains an unfair competitive advantage at the expense of biological sustainability,” said Lt. Brian Williams, Bailey Barco commanding officer.

Published on: February 15, 2022

Two Fishermen Rescued from Sinking F/V Glory

by Joseph Stacey

Two fishermen were rescued by the US Coast Guard on Monday February 7^th near Sitka, Alaska after the 40-foot F/V GLORY began taking on water.

Sector Juneau Command Center watchstanders received a call from the distressed vessel at about 8 p.m. An Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and crew were launched and directed to the vessel at Islet Passage, approximately nine miles south of Sitka.

The US Coast Guard aircrew lowered a rescue swimmer onto the vessel to evaluate the situation. Crewmembers were unable to locate the source of the flooding, so it was advised that the fishermen abandon ship. US Coast Guard aircrew successfully hoisted the two fishermen at about 9 p.m.

Published on: February 1, 2022

Alaska Fisheries Disaster Declaration Approved

by Joseph Stacey

On January 21^st, 2022, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced that her office has approved Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s request for an official disaster determination.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funds will be available to fishermen and crew members, seafood processors, and researchers who have felt the impact of this difficult season. The amount of the relief package will be determined at a later date. It is possible that some fishery related businesses will also be eligible for aid from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“Helping communities to bounce back from the impacts of fishery disasters is essential, and we are working to ensure there is relief coming for impacted Alaskans,” Raimondo said in a statement. “Disasters like these, which impact multiple fisheries across Alaska, illustrate how vital sustainable fisheries are to our economy at not only the local level, but for the economic health of our nation’s blue economy.”

Published on: January 25, 2022

What is a Maritime Lawyer?

by Nigel Stacey

People often believe that all attorneys know all the laws of the land. Just as you would go to a trained cardiologist for heart issues or a radiologist to diagnose a broken bone, there are many types of lawyers who are versed in many types of law. It is always best to engage with a specialist.

Why Should You Work with a Maritime Lawyer?

Maritime Law is a very specific set of rules and laws that deal with injuries and accidents that occur on or near a body of water, a lake, ocean, or sea. While these laws were originally created to address national and international commerce, they have since expanded to include fishing vessels, recreational and passenger boats, oil rigs, and more. Virtually anyone injured on or near a body of water should consult with an attorney who specializes in Maritime Law.

Published on: December 7, 2021

Thank a Fisher Today

by Joseph Stacey

People all over the world have a longstanding tradition of feasting on seafood during winter holidays. Crab, salmon, lobster, oysters, shrimp, cod, carp, and lutefisk all have a place at the holiday table. It is important to remember that a courageous and hardworking man or woman braved the hazardous waters of the oceans and seas to bring that delicacy to your table. Whether you celebrate Chinese New Year, feast on Scandinavian inspired lutefisk, or enjoy the Feast of the Seven Fishes, the tradition of seafood during the holidays deserves a special thank you.

The celebration of the Chinese New Year always features fresh fish, a symbol of surplus and wealth. Linguists believe this is because the Chinese word for “fish” (yú) has the same pronunciation as the Chinese word for “abundance” or “extra.” Serving a whole fish at the end of a Chinese New Year meal with head and tail intact, carries the added symbolism of a good beginning and ending to the new year.

In Scandinavian homes, lutefisk, cod cakes, and oyster stew were old world foods brought to the Midwest by new immigrants. Lutefisk (cod that has been preserved in lye then rinsed well before cooking) is served during holidays as a way of remembering the poverty of the past. According to Hasia Diner, a professor of immigration history at New York University, consuming lutefisk is a way of honoring previous generations, those who came to this country looking for prosperity, opportunity, and a better life.

Published on: November 15, 2021

F/V Julia Breeze Sinks, 4 Mariners Rescued

by Joseph Stacey

Four mariners were rescued from a raft on November 10, 2021, after they abandoned ship about 13 nautical miles west of Cape Ommaney, near the southern tip of Baranof Island, Alaska.

Watchstanders at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Juneau received a distress call at about 10:40 via VHF radio channel 16. Crewmembers reported that the V/F JULIA BREEZE was taking on water and that they were abandoning ship.

An Air Station Sitka helicopter crew was launched at 10:45 and arrived on the scene at about 11:40. The aircrew located a debris trail from the 53-foot fishing vessel as well as the survival raft. All four of the V/F JULIA BREEZE crew members were able to don survival suits and made it into the survival raft.

Published on: November 10, 2021

6 Ways to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Aboard Vessels

by Nigel Stacey

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is often associated with automobiles and homes, but carbon monoxide poisoning can happen in any enclosed or partially enclosed space where fumes and gasses are allowed to accumulate, making fishing boats, tugboats, and other commercial vessels particularly vulnerable if not properly maintained.

Carbon monoxide (CO), is an odorless and colorless gas that can poison, cause long term health issues, and even kill a person who inhales too much of it. According to the CDC, approximately 430 people die from accidental CO poisoning in the U.S. each year, and 50,000 people require emergency medical attention due to accidental CO poisoning.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Published on: November 2, 2021

Seattle Foss Maritime Shipyard Permanently Closed

by Joseph Stacey

The Seattle Foss shipyard located at 660 West Ewing Street in North Queen Anne, has permanently closed, and all operations have ceased. The 115 displaced shipyard employees will continue to receive salary and benefits and an average of overtime wages until the end of 2021, according to the company.

This arrangement is in line with the requirements of the federal WARN Act, which requires most companies with 100 or more employees, provide 60 days’ notice of a closure. An employer who violates WARN provisions is liable to each employee for an amount equal to back pay and benefits for the period of the violation, up to 60 days.

The shipyard was responsible for new ship construction in addition to vessel repair and maintenance. Lifts, cranes, and other equipment made the shipyard uniquely equipped to work on ships up to 2,000 tons. The Lake Washington Ship Canal location also included three dry docks.

Published on: November 1, 2021

Four Rescued After F/V LAURA Runs Aground

by Nigel Stacey

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders received a distress call from the master of the F/V LAURA on Monday, November 1, 2021, after the vessel reportedly ran aground on the shore at Black Rock, on Kodiak Island. It was also reported that the crew was using life rafts to abandon ship.

An Air Station Kodiak C-130 Hercules aircrew and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew were launched. Thanks to assistance from the good Samaritan F/V STILLWATER, the aircrews were able to quickly locate the fishermen. A Coast Guard helicopter crew deployed a rescue swimmer to hoist the crew-members from the sinking 90-foot F/V LAURA, and safely transported them to Air Station Kodiak.

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is that all crew members have proper safety equipment and training. For more information, read our post regarding the maintenance and testing of immersion suits.