A fire broke out on the cargo ship GENIUS STAR XI on December 25, 2023. At the time, the cargo ship was crossing the Pacific Ocean en route to San Diego, California. The U.S. Coast Guard instructed the ship to proceed to 225 miles from Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Reports...
Poor visibility is a significant hazard for small fishing boats, posing severe risks of collisions and accidents. Fog, heavy rain, darkness, and other conditions that reduce visibility can make navigation challenging and dangerous. At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we...
Swamping is a significant and often underestimated risk for small boaters. This type of accident occurs when a boat takes on water faster than it can be removed, leading to a dangerous situation where the boat can become unstable, capsize, or sink. Understanding the...
Crew training is a fundamental aspect of maritime operations that plays a critical role in preventing vessel grounding incidents. The effectiveness of a vessel’s crew in navigating complex maritime environments relies heavily on their training, experience, and...
A lawsuit has been filed by Spagnoletti Law Firm in Harris County, Texas against SEACOR Marine, LLC arising out of an alleged maritime injury aboard the L/B Jill. The lawsuit asserts claims under the Jones Act and general maritime law on behalf of the injured...
A fishing boat capsized off the coast of South Carolina on December 19, 2023. At the time, the 30-foot vessel was approximately 34 miles from Charleston. The two fishermen had to abandon the vessel and boarded a raft. A Coast Guard helicopter was luckily able to...
Introduction The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, known as the Jones Act, is a fundamental piece of U.S. legislation that provides important protections for seamen injured while performing their duties. Understanding the provisions of the Jones Act is crucial for maritime...
A subsidiary of Valaris has been fined £130,000 by an Aberdeen Court as a result of a March 31, 2016 incident on the Rowan Gorilla VII. At the time, the vessel was in the North Sea conducting operations. The crane was in operation when one of its legs failed, and...
WaveRunners, or personal watercraft (PWC), provide a unique and exhilarating way to enjoy the water. However, their operation comes with inherent risks, including the danger of propeller injuries. These injuries can be severe and life-threatening, often resulting in...
The Houston Ship Channel is a crucial waterway that facilitates a significant volume of commercial traffic, including the transport of various types of cargo. However, the dynamic environment of the channel poses several risks, one of which is cargo shifting...