There was a deadly accident on a commercial fishing boat in Bristol Bay, Alaska on July 5, 2024. According to reports, a crew member became entangled in fishing nets and went overboard. The victim was able to be rescued, but lifesaving attempts were unsuccessful. The victim has been identified as Corwin Wheeler. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this deadly incident.
Net entanglement poses a significant risk on commercial fishing vessels, particularly for fishermen who can become caught in the net and pulled overboard. This danger is exacerbated by the sheer size and weight of commercial fishing nets, which are designed to haul large quantities of fish. When a fisherman becomes entangled, the force of the moving net can quickly drag them overboard, often with little warning. The rapid and unexpected nature of these incidents leaves little time for the crew to respond, increasing the likelihood of severe injury or drowning.
One major factor contributing to the risk of net entanglement is the high-stress environment on commercial fishing vessels. The fast-paced nature of fishing operations, combined with the need to handle heavy and sometimes unruly equipment, can lead to accidents. Fishermen may find themselves in close proximity to nets being deployed or retrieved, and any slip or misstep can result in entanglement. Additionally, adverse weather conditions, such as high winds and rough seas, can cause the nets to move unpredictably, further increasing the risk of entanglement.
Another critical aspect is the inadequate safety training and lack of proper equipment on many commercial fishing vessels. Fishermen often work long hours under physically demanding conditions, and without proper training, they may not be fully aware of the risks associated with net handling. The absence of safety harnesses, life vests, and other protective gear can turn a manageable risk into a fatal incident. Regular safety drills and proper equipment can significantly reduce the risk of entanglement and improve the chances of rescue if a fisherman goes overboard.
Finally, the design and maintenance of the fishing gear play a crucial role in preventing net entanglement. Nets that are not properly maintained can develop tears, loose ends, and other hazards that increase the risk of fishermen getting caught. Regular inspections and timely repairs of the nets and associated equipment are essential to ensure that they remain safe to use. Furthermore, implementing safety features such as quick-release mechanisms can help mitigate the danger by allowing the crew to rapidly free an entangled fisherman and prevent them from being dragged overboard.
There have been a number of recent incidents involving vessels. There was a fire on board the Carnival Cruise ship Icon of the Seas on June 25, 2024. A boat crashed into a dock in Fairfield County, South Carolina on June 29, 2024. There was a deadly diving accident in Crane Lake, Minnesota on June 30, 2024. A speed boat crashed into rocks near the Los Alamitos Bay jetty in Long Beach, California on July 3, 2024. A small boat capsized near Galveston, Texas on July 4, 2024
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 a boating accident. 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.