Tubboat Accidents – Page 2 – Offshore Injury Lawyer – Maritime Attorneys – Houston Maritime LawyersOffshore Injury Attorneys

Jan 6, 2014

China’s Fog Shows Importance of Maritime Injury Lawyers

Despite the wealth of technology modern day crews can rely on for safe voyages, serious accidents still happen. China has been a hotbed of examples lately with yet another accident occurring on December 6^th. Besides highlighting the dangers crews are still exposed to on a regular basis, these accidents also make it clear how important it is to have the right maritime injury lawyers available to receive the necessary representation.

On the morning of December 6^th, “JIA LI HAI” and “MV XIUMEI TIANJIN” collided in the sea region of Zhejiang Zhoushan. The “JIA LI HAI” cargo ship, owned by China COSCO, has a deadweight tonnage of 100,000 tons. It was on route to Laotangshan port when it collided with the “MV XIUMEI TIANJIN”, a container ship that’s 168 meters long.

Fortunately, no one aboard the “JIA LI HAI” was injured due to the accident, though it did sustain severe damage that caused it to lose power in open water. “MV XIUMEI TIANJIN” received minor damage, but was still able to proceed.

The recovery effort was organized by the Zhejiang Maritime Rescue Administration, which partnered with the East Sea Rescue Bureau. Altogether, it took 12 tugboats and 4 different cleaning vessels to handle the wreckage. By the afternoon, the smaller cargo ship was moved to shallow water. While it was able to successfully anchor there, it is still taking on water, though the threat of sinking is no longer a concern.

This was just one of three accidents that occurred in as many days. Fog is thought to have played a role in all of them.

While it’s fortunate no one was injured, it’s clear those onboard were lucky. Maritime injury lawyers are absolutely essential in such situations to make sure those onboard receive the representation necessary to secure what they’re entitled to. Kirkendall Dwyer LLP provides maritime injury lawyers for just such occasions.

Dec 26, 2013

Maritime Lawyer: Suspect Charged in Boating Accident

JoJo John, the accused in the case of a fatal boating accident on the Hudson River this past July, was formally charged in court on Thursday, November 7^th. His boat hit a barge, and two people, a young woman about to be married and her fiancé’s best man, were killed on impact.

Although most drunk driving accidents are associated with cars, the prosecution in the case is emphasizing John’s high blood alcohol content as the chief factor in this case. They maintain that he was unable to properly operate his craft under the influence of that much alcohol and was responsible for the collision that caused two deaths and left three others seriously injured.

The defense claims that the collision was an accident and that it was in part caused by the barge not being well-lit enough to be seen at that late hour.

Although the trial will be ongoing, it is clear that the incident was an utter tragedy. The families of the bride, groom, and best man have all been devastated during what should have been a very happy time for them. The suddenness of the incident and the fact that few people anticipate such a serious accident while boating has only made things harder for them.

Unfortunately, tragedies like these happen all too often, and catch grieving loved ones completely by surprise. If you or someone you love boats frequently or has already been involved in an injurious boating accident, you should seek legal counsel from people specializing in this area. The best solution is to hire a team of maritime lawyers. If you want the best team, call Kirkendall Dwyer LLP. The lawyers there are well-versed in maritime law and want to help you get the closure and recompense you deserve for your maritime mishap.

Dec 8, 2013

Oil Industry Should Replace Equipment, Expert Says

2013 marks the 25^th anniversary of the disastrous Piper Alpha incident, the explosion of a North Sea oil platform that caused the deaths of over 160 offshore workers. Investigations ultimately pinned the accident on human error, and various reforms were made throughout the oil industry to improve safety condition in that area.

However, the anniversary of the accident has sparked speculation about what other safety issues the industry needs to address in the current era. One expert suggests that the equipment on many North Sea oil platforms, and perhaps elsewhere, is in need of replacement before another serious incident occurs.

Much of the current oil platform technology is up to thirty or forty years old and has been in constant operation for that time. While it has all been maintained, there comes a point when things need to be replaced or simply should be switched out due to better technology.

Recent incidents, such as a crane accident on a North Sea platform earlier this year, have spurred speculation that while the last disaster was human error, the next catastrophe may end up being due to mechanical failure if steps are not taken. Oil companies are being urged to inspect their equipment thoroughly and not to cut corners on replacements in order to avoid a repeat of the high fatal accident twenty-five years ago.

Even when everything and everyone are working properly, offshore work is a dangerous profession. It is better to be prepared in case an accident does happen. Anyone involved in this type of work should have a maritime injury attorney selected and ready should the worst occur. If you are an offshore worker, especially if you’ve already suffered injury, don’t put off contacting Kirkendall Dwyer LLP to learn more about what you are entitled to.