Spagnoletti Law Firm has filed a Jones Act lawsuit against Shore Offshore Services, LLC on behalf of two crew members who suffered serious injuries after their vessel broke free from its dock and drifted uncontrolled during Hurricane Zeta.
Incident Overview
On October 28, 2020, the plaintiffs were working aboard the D/B Thor, a vessel owned and operated by Shore Offshore Services, LLC. Due to expected severe weather conditions from Hurricane Zeta, the vessel had been docked at the Port of Fourchon. However, the lines securing the vessel to the dock broke, causing the vessel to drift freely through the canal.
As the vessel moved uncontrolled through the water, it collided with multiple vessels, creating a dangerous and chaotic situation for the crew onboard. The plaintiffs sustained severe injuries as a result of the impacts and the unsafe conditions that followed.
Allegations of Negligence and Unseaworthiness
The lawsuit claims that multiple safety failures contributed to the plaintiffs’ injuries. Among these failures was the lack of proper mooring and securing procedures, which resulted in the vessel breaking loose during the storm. Properly securing a vessel ahead of extreme weather is a fundamental safety requirement in the maritime industry, as it prevents vessels from becoming uncontrolled hazards in strong winds and rough seas. The failure to take these precautions meant that the vessel was at the mercy of the storm, creating life-threatening conditions for the crew.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that weather conditions were not adequately evaluated prior to the vessel being left at dock. Employers and vessel owners have a duty to assess severe weather risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate potential dangers. This includes monitoring storm forecasts, reinforcing mooring lines, and ensuring that all equipment and vessel structures are secure. Had the vessel been properly evaluated for its ability to withstand Hurricane Zeta’s conditions, steps could have been taken to prevent it from breaking free and drifting uncontrollably.
The lawsuit also claims that Shore Offshore Services, LLC failed to conduct the necessary emergency drills and safety meetings to prepare the crew for potential disasters. When severe weather is expected, vessel operators must take immediate action to train and prepare their crews, ensuring that everyone on board understands the appropriate emergency procedures. The plaintiffs allege that they were not adequately informed or prepared for the vessel’s potential breakaway, leaving them to react to the emergency without sufficient guidance or protective measures.
Furthermore, the lawsuit asserts that the D/B Thor was unseaworthy, meaning that it was not adequately equipped to handle expected weather conditions and lacked the necessary safeguards to protect the crew. A seaworthy vessel is one that is properly maintained, has all required safety equipment in working condition, and is fit for its intended purpose. The plaintiffs claim that the vessel was not prepared to withstand the conditions it encountered and that these deficiencies placed them at unnecessary risk.
The Risks of Unsecured Vessels During Severe Weather
Vessel owners and operators must take proactive measures to secure vessels ahead of severe weather to prevent breakaways, collisions, and injuries. When a storm or hurricane is forecasted, maritime companies are responsible for reinforcing docking lines, ensuring vessels are positioned in a safe harbor, and developing contingency plans to protect both the vessel and its crew. A failure to follow these procedures can lead to catastrophic damage, as seen in this case.
One of the most significant risks of an unsecured vessel during a storm is that it can become an uncontrolled hazard. A drifting vessel can collide with other ships, structures, or docks, causing further destruction and additional injuries to crew members and nearby workers. This lawsuit alleges that the failure to properly secure the D/B Thor resulted in multiple collisions with other vessels, which could have been avoided had proper precautions been taken.
Another critical risk is crew safety. When a vessel is not properly secured, its movement becomes unpredictable, increasing the likelihood of falls, crushing injuries, or crew members being thrown overboard. Crew members aboard a drifting vessel may also find themselves struggling to maintain stability, facing slippery conditions and unstable footing as they attempt to avoid being injured by shifting equipment or falling debris. The lawsuit claims that the plaintiffs endured dangerous conditions as the vessel moved uncontrolled, leading to their severe injuries.
Finally, vessel owners must have clear emergency protocols in place for securing vessels ahead of storms and responding to unexpected incidents. When mooring lines break, or a vessel begins to drift, the crew must be able to act quickly and decisively to prevent further damage. The lawsuit alleges that Shore Offshore Services, LLC failed to provide clear guidance or emergency training, which left the crew vulnerable when the vessel broke loose.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm for Maritime Injury Claims
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to unsafe vessel conditions, failure to secure a vessel, or employer negligence, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit under the Jones Act and general maritime law. The attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm have extensive experience handling cases involving unseaworthy vessels, maritime injuries, and unsafe working conditions at sea.
To learn more about your legal options, contact us online or call 713-804-9306 for a free consultation. There are strict deadlines for filing maritime injury claims, so do not wait to take action.