There was a fire on board the lift boat Brazos on August 11, 2024. At the time, the liftboat was 40 nautical miles off the coast of Louisiana. Two crew members were critically injured in the fire, requiring emergency evacuation to shore for medical care. The Coast Guard sent a helicopter to assist with the evacuation. The two workers were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette, Louisiana. Additional details have not been released. The liftboat is owned by Laredo Offshore Services.
A fire on board a lift boat poses significant risks, threatening the safety of the crew, the integrity of the vessel, and the surrounding environment. Lift boats, commonly used in offshore operations such as maintenance, construction, and support activities, are equipped with heavy machinery, electrical systems, and often carry flammable materials, all of which can contribute to the outbreak of a fire. The confined spaces and specialized equipment on lift boats can make fire containment particularly challenging, increasing the danger to those on board.
One of the primary risks associated with a fire on a lift boat is the potential for rapid spread due to the presence of flammable materials, such as fuel, lubricants, and chemicals. These substances can ignite easily and, once ablaze, can quickly spread to other parts of the vessel, including the living quarters, machinery spaces, and cargo areas. The limited firefighting resources on board and the distance from shore-based support further complicate efforts to control and extinguish the fire, putting the entire crew at risk.
The risk to human life is particularly acute in the event of a fire on a lift boat. Crew members may be trapped in confined areas with limited escape routes, and the presence of toxic smoke and fumes can make evacuation difficult. Additionally, the high heat generated by a fire can cause structural damage to the vessel, potentially leading to a loss of stability or even capsizing. In such scenarios, the chances of survival decrease dramatically, especially if the crew is unable to abandon the vessel in time.
There have been a number of recent incidents involving vessels. A 25-foot pontoon boat capsized in Lake Powell near the Utah-Arizona border on July 26, 2024. There was a deadly boating accident in Livingston Parish, Louisiana on July 28, 2024. The shrimp boat Second Chance ran aground in Port Aransas on July 31, 2024. There was an explosion on a small recreational boat on Lake Texoma in Oklahoma on August 4, 2024. A boat with eight people on board capsized in the waters near Homer, Alaska on August 3, 2024, killing a family of four who were on vacation from Texas.
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.