Pirates recently attacked two vessels in the Bay of Campeche. On December 28, 2022, the anchor handling vessel Bourbon Artabaze was boarded by pirates. The following day, another vessel the Bourbon Alienor was also attacked. According to local reports, pirates were able to steal equipment from the vessel. Both ships are owned and operated by Bourbon Tamaulipas SA de CV.
Safe offshore companies must adequately prepare for the danger posed by piracy, or their crew members are at risk of serious injury or death. There have been a number of incidents involving piracy on vessels and offshore platforms. The oil tanker MARAN POSEIDON was attacked by pirates on December 12, 2022. The general cargo ship MARTINA was attacked and boarded by pirates on September 14, 2022. The offshore oil platform Rebombeo was attacked and boarded by pirates on June 14, 2022. The offshore construction vessel CREST TARASCO was attacked and boarded by pirates on May 22, 2022 while operating near the Hokchi field near Dos Bocas, Tabasco, Mexico.
It can be dangerous to work in any profession when safety considerations are not made. This is especially so when working offshore. Safe maritime companies must consider piracy precautions to ensure that their ships or offshore platforms 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 injuries or deaths can result. Safe companies must help their ships, platforms and crews avoid becoming victims of piracy. Before sailing or allowing work in dangerous waters, safe maritime companies must perform at a bare minimum 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.
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, including those involving pirate attacks.
The experienced maritime attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of piracy. 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.