Fishing Boat Runs Aground at Galveston Jetty, No Maritime Injuries Reported
Four maritime workers on a fishing boat were rescued after the engine of the vessel lost power and drifted into a Galveston jetty.
Before the accident, the crew of the vessel, Lucky Peter, called the Coast Guard asking for help because the boat was taking on water. The four workers were rescued and a crane ship was called in to raise the vessel. No maritime workers were injured in the fishing boat accident.
Fishing does not have to be a dangerous activity, but it often involves injuries and deaths, including drowning accidents, explosions, fires, and other vessel-related accidents. In 1998, the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Act was passed to improve safety standards in the lucrative, but dangerous fishing industry. The U.S. Coast Guard enforces the regulations of the Act, which involves helping rescue crew members after a vessel is lost. These regulations require that vessels engaged in commercial fishing activities have safety equipment on board, including life rafts. Boats must be equipped with flares, survival kits, and personal flotation devices.
The condition of the boat plays a big part in ensuring the safety of maritime workers on board a vessel; the ocean can be cruel to an unseaworthy vessel.
In spite of the Act's provisions, many boat owners set off on fishing trips in a vessel that may not be equipped to deal with rough seas. Out in the middle of the sea, malfunctioning boat equipment, irresponsible crew members, and lack of safety devices can easily place a maritime worker at risk of serious injuries or death.
Maritime Attorney
A fishing vessel crew member qualifies as a seaman. If negligence of a fishing boat owner causes any injuries to a seaman, he may be eligible for compensation under the Jones Act. A maritime worker may not be able to interpret Jones Act statutes and understand his rights due to its complexity. A Jones Act lawyer can help maritime workers understand their rights and answer questions about compensation.
Contact a Jones Act lawyer, at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your case and to begin your journey to recovery.
