Survivor Reports Engine Failure Lead to Capsizing of Gulf Livestock 1

by | Sep 3, 2020 | Maritime Law, Wrongful Death

The livestock carrier Gulf Livestock 1 went 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.  The Japanese Coast Guard began search and rescue operations, although tragically both aerial search and four coast guard boats were unable to find the vessel.  The Coast Guard has reported that one survivor has been found, a Filipino Chief Officer.  The Chief Officer indicated that an engine failure on the ship left it broadside to waves and wind generated by Typhoon Maysak.

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.  This is especially so when working on a vessel. Safe cargo companies 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 taken into account by safe maritime and cargo companies.  When employers fail to account for dangerous weather conditions, catastrophic incidents can result. It is unknown if the Master of the vessel simply disregarded the typhoon, or miscalculated the path of his ship.  The tragic result is that the ship and typhoon converged, and an engine failure left the vessel and its 43 crew members helpless.

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 877-678-5864 to learn more about your rights.