The offshore supply vessel Maersk Transporter was boarded by an unknown number of pirates on April 12, 2020. At the time, the vessel was in the Gulf of Mexico. The pirates boarded the vessel and were able to steal various items. It is unknown at this time if anyone sustained injuries in the attack.
It can be dangerous to work in any profession when safety considerations are not made. This is especially so when working on a vessel. Safe maritime companies must consider safe pirate precautions to ensure that their ships do not put the lives of their crew members at risk. The risks of catastrophic injury or kidnapping due to pirate activity is especially high in certain regions of the world that have historically had a problem ensuring the safety of vessels. When ship operators fail to account for the hazards posed by known pirate activity, catastrophic incidents can result.
Safe companies must help their ships ships and crews avoid becoming victims of piracy. Before sailing in dangerous waters, safe maritime companies must perform the following:
Conducting a risk assessment related to piracy;
Create and educate crewmembers regarding ship self-protection measures; and
Implement policies and procedures on what to do if attacked by pirates.
This incident follows numerous recent attacks on vessels located in the Gulf of Mexico. On April 9, pirates boarded the offshore supply vessel Remas, located 70 nautical miles offshore. Two crew members were reportedly injured by the gun-toting pirates. In just the last six months, the Remas has been attacked two other times. In November 2019, one crew member was shot after seven pirates boarded the vessel. The ship is owned by Italy’s Micoperi.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in maritime personal injury and wrongful death litigation and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured as a result of the negligence of another party. Spagnoletti Law Firm has lawyers admitted to practice in Texas, Florida and New York, and has handled maritime lawsuits throughout the country.
The experienced maritime attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of this tragic accident. There are strict and short time limits on making claims related to vessel accidents, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your rights.