Yacht Manufacturer Settles Suit Filed By Sailor's Widow

Posted on March 31, 2010 by Lisa Sechelski
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Cape Fear Yacht Works recently agreed to settle wrongful death and related claims filed by Linda Stone.  Stone's husband, Roger Stone, was killed when the 38-foot racing yacht Cynthia Woods capsized during a 2008 regatta in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Cynthia Woods was manufactured by Cape Fear Yacht Works and donated to Texas A&M University by Galveston billionaire and Texas A&M graduate George P. Mitchell.  Mitchell's son owns and operates Cape Fear Yacht Works.

According to investigation reports, a Texas A&M University-Galveston Sea Aggie sailing team, including safety officer Roger Stone, were en route from Galveston to Vera Cruz, Mexico, as part of a regatta when the 5,000-pound lead keel of the Cynthia Woods broke apart.  The vessel promptly capsized and later sank.  Stone was killed, but his crewmates survived, spending some 26 hours adrift before being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Investigations by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Texas A&M University System reached conflicting results as to the cause of the vessel's keel failure.  The Coast Guard attributed the accident to improper repairs after the Cynthia Woods had been run aground, while the university cited inadequate design and construction of the vessel.
 
As noted here shortly after suit was filed, Linda Stone sought damages from several parties, including Cape Fear, boat designer Bruce Marek, and Payco, Inc., which made repairs on the boat.
 
Cape Fear Yacht Works, joined by Marek, entered into the settlement with Linda Stone, while her action against Payco continues.
 
Maritime claims such as Stone's demonstrate the need for aggressive advocacy on behalf of survivors after a vessel is lost at sea.
 
If a maritime injury occurs, it’s crucial for the victim or their family to contact a maritime lawyer as soon as possible.  Relying on a lawyer unfamiliar with maritime law can result in reduced or lost benefits.
 
To discuss a case with an experienced maritime lawyer, contact a maritime attorney online at Arnold & Itkin LLC, or call the maritime law office of Arnold & Itkin LLC toll free at 866-222-2606.
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