The bulk carrier GENCO PICARDY was hit by a drone on January 17, 2024. At the time, the vessel was in the western portion of the Gulf of Aden. According to reports, a drone carrying explosives was launched from Yemeni territory and collided with the vessel. Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the attack. The vessel is operated by New York-based GENCO Shipping.
In response to an attack earlier this week on the GIBRALTAR EAGLE, the U.S. Maritime Administration issued an alert to merchant vessels, stating in part:
There continues to be a high degree of risk to commercial vessels transiting the Southern Red Sea between 12N and 16N. While the decision to transit remains at the discretion of individual vessels and companies, it is recommended that U.S. flag and U.S. owned commercial vessels remain North of 18N in the Red Sea or East of 46E in the Gulf of Aden until further notice.
There have been a number of recent incidents involving vessels. A fishing boat capsized off the coast of South Carolina on December 19, 2023. A sailboat capsized near Texas City, Texas on December 29, 2023, killing one person on board. There was a deadly fire on the container ship STRIDE in the Port of Houston on the morning of January 8, 2024. The vessel’s second engineer was killed in an explosion in the engine room on the product tanker TORC on January 8, 2024. The bulk carrier GIBRALTAR EAGLE was hit by a missile while in the Gulf of Aden on January 15, 2024.
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 companies must be proactive and take preventative measures, including regular maintenance and repairs, to also ensure that the environment is not impacted.
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.