The livestock cargo carrier Gulf Livestock 1 has gone missing after making a distress call on the morning of September 2, 2020. The vessel was located in the East China Sea, while en route from Napier, New Zealand to Tangshan, China. Based on the location of the distress call, the ship may have encountered bad weather caused by Typhoon Maysak. The Japanese Coast Guard is searching for the vessel, although tragically both aerial search and four coast guard boats have been unable to find the vessel. All communication has been lost.
The crew of 43 was comprised of 39 seamen from the Philippines, 2 from New Zealand, 1 from Australia and 1 from Singapore. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this tragedy.
The boat is owned and operated by Jordan-based Hijazi & Ghosheh Co. The company was founded in 1985, and owns and operates a number of livestock carriers. It exports livestock all over the world through its subsidiary, Australia-based company Livestock Shipping Services.
It can be dangerous to work in any profession when safety considerations related to dangerous weather conditions are not made, but it is especially so when working on a vessel. Safe employers must ensure that their ships do not put the lives of their crew members at risk. The risks of catastrophic death as a result of sailing into dangerous weather conditions such as a hurricane or typhoon must always be considered by safe maritime and cargo companies. When employers fail to account for dangerous weather conditions, catastrophic incidents can result.
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 handled maritime lawsuits throughout the country on behalf of injured mariners from all over the world. Our attorneys have previously represented the family members of foreign seamen who have lost their lives or been seriously injured in numerous accidents all over the world. Spagnoletti Law Firm has previously represented the family members of Filipino offshore workers who were on the Black Elk Energy offshore oil platform that exploded in 2012.
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.