A ballistic missile fired by Houthi rebels struck a cargo ship on Friday, December 19, 2023 near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea. This attack came on the heels of another attack just hours earlier in which another ship was struck by a missile. The attacks obviously endanger the crew of these ships and have the potential to significantly impact global shipping of cargo and energy.
There have been a number of recent incidents involving vessels. Four crew members went missing from the bulk carrier MEGHNA ADVENTURE in the Mississippi River near Belle Chasse, Louisiana on November 27, 2023. A small recreational boat capsized off the coast of San Francisco, California on November 30, 2023. Felipe Lozano lost his life after going overboard from the commercial fishing vessel MISS WINNIE on December 2, 2023. Multiple crew members were killed on the bulk carrier BLUE CECIL on December 8, 2023.
It can be dangerous to work in any industry when safety considerations are not taken seriously. Safe offshore vessel owners and operators must ensure that their ships do not put the lives of hard working men and women at risk. Safe offshore companies must adequately prepare for the danger posed by piracy and attacks, or their crew members are at risk of serious injury or death.
- Conduct 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 experienced lawyers handle maritime personal injury and wrongful death litigation of all kinds 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 a maritime accident. The lawyers of Spagnoletti Law Firm have handled maritime lawsuits throughout the country.
The experienced and aggressive vessel accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an accident on a ship. There are strict and short time limits on making claims related to maritime injuries, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your rights.