A tragic maritime accident occurred on June 2, 2025, aboard the Polaris, a platform supply vessel (PSV) contracted to support Equinor’s Empire Wind 1 project off the coast of New York. The incident, which took place during operations in the Atlantic Ocean, resulted in the death of a crew member. The Polaris is operated by Tidewater, a Houston-based marine transportation company providing support services to offshore energy operations.
According to reports, the crew member sustained fatal electrocution injuries despite emergency response efforts initiated onboard and by supporting emergency response agencies. The Polaris was actively engaged in normal operations at the time of the accident, supporting the 810MW offshore wind project led by Equinor.
The United States Coast Guard has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatality.
Risks and Contributing Factors in Offshore Vessel Operations
Fatal accidents at sea, particularly aboard offshore support vessels like the Polaris, underscore the inherently dangerous conditions that maritime workers often face. These vessels operate in dynamic environments and support complex industrial operations, including the transportation of personnel, fuel, and cargo to offshore wind farms and oil platforms.
While the specific cause of this accident remains under investigation, such incidents can arise from mechanical failures, human error, unpredictable weather, or inadequate safety protocols. The isolated and high-risk nature of offshore work often means that emergency medical aid is delayed, which can elevate the consequences of any onboard injury or incident.
Maritime Safety Standards and Legal Rights
Crew members working on offshore vessels are typically protected under the Jones Act and general maritime law. These laws provide injured seamen—or their families, in cases of fatal accidents—with the right to pursue compensation when negligence or unsafe working conditions contributed to an injury or death.
Employers and vessel operators have a legal duty to provide a seaworthy vessel, adequate safety training, proper equipment, and emergency procedures that meet or exceed maritime safety standards. If this duty is breached, the company may be held legally responsible.
In cases like this one, where a death occurs during offshore wind farm operations, it is essential that a thorough investigation determines whether any safety violations or operational failures played a role in the tragedy.
Understanding Your Rights After a Maritime Injury
For families who lose a loved one in a maritime accident, the emotional and financial consequences can be overwhelming. When a fatal accident occurs at sea, it’s important to understand that legal remedies may be available through federal maritime law. These may include compensation for lost earnings, funeral expenses, and emotional loss.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a maritime accident—whether on a support vessel, commercial ship, or offshore rig—it is essential to consult with an experienced maritime injury attorney. Legal counsel can help ensure that your rights are protected during an investigation and that you receive the support and compensation you deserve.
Contact a Maritime Accident Attorney
Spagnoletti Law Firm has extensive experience representing the families of maritime workers who have suffered serious or fatal injuries while on the job. Our maritime lawyers are committed to holding negligent vessel owners and contractors accountable for unsafe conditions that put lives at risk.
To discuss your case or get answers about your rights after a maritime accident, call us at 713-804-9306. We are available for a free consultation and can guide you through your legal options with care and experience.