Two masters, two pilots found guilty in tragic collision
Yesterday, four seamen were found guilty and could find themselves behind bars for the next four years for causing a collision in which 18 seamen lost their lives.
The accident occurred in 2008 when the Ukrainian tug Neftegaz-67 attempted to pass Chinese bulk carrier Yaohai in a shipping channel near Hong Kong. According to the ruling by the judge, the two pilots should have known to leave the other vessel to port. Despite several whistle blasts given by Yaohai, which the master of Neftegaz-67 claims not to have heard, Neftegaz-67 turned to port into the oncoming Yaohai.
The Ukrainian tug filled with water and quickly sank in approximately 120’ of water. Only seven members of the Neftegaz-67’s crew of 25 made it to safety. Sentencing of the two masters and two pilots is scheduled for today.
The maritime industry has always been considered a high-risk occupation. Incidents like the tragedy of Neftegaz-67 only confirm this. In the United States, U.S. citizens occupied as seamen, offshore and other maritime workers benefit from the additional protection provided by maritime laws such as the Death on the High Seas Act, the Longshore and Harborworkers’ Compensation Act and the Jones Act.
If you are ever the victim of a maritime injury, it is important to contact an experienced maritime lawyer as soon after the accident as possible. If you’re employed as a seaman aboard a vessel or offshore rig in navigable waters, you should consult with a Jones Act lawyer if you feel you might be entitled to the additional protections offered by the Jones Act.
