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2 capsized vessel incidents occur just hours apart
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1 crew member injured in first tug boat sinking
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Jones Act claim could potentially follow, not yet clear if that will occur
Two tugboats capsized hours apart on a recent Monday in late June, resulting in investigations being launched by authorities in the area where it occurred. Both tug boats sank after incidents that left them capsized in conditions that were less-than-ideal, including choppy water as well as swift-moving currents. One crew member was injured in the first sinking, but all other crew members involved in both capsizes fortunately escaped unharmed. In the event of a capsized vessel, some employees may find it necessary to pursue a Jones Act claim to receive financial restitution.
Authorities reported that they will be considering several factors as they investigate these two dangerous incidents. These factors will include the history of the vessels that were involved and their crews, the qualifications and certifications that are required to operate tugboats, along with the qualifications and certifications that organizations operating such tugboats are required to maintain. The result of that facet of the investigation will then determine what steps are taken afterward.
The two vessels were apparently in that particular area of the St. Lawrence River in order to help with the demolition being conducted of the Seaway International Bridge near Cornwall in Ontario, Canada. The first ship capsized at just about 4 in the afternoon, with the smaller tugboat sinking approximately 5 hours later. Crew members reportedly claimed that the treacherous current was to blame for the capsizing of at least one of the vessels. It remains to be seen if the investigation will show that to be the case or if there could be some element of negligence at play.
Jones Act claims can be helpful for seamen whose employers were either fully or partially negligent in some manner leading up to their injuries. Injured crewmen can use the financial restitution obtained to help cover medical and other related expenses, along with any costs of living during any time they are unable to work due to their injuries. This can be life-saving for injured workers and can be particularly vital for surviving relatives if a breadwinner family member is fatally injured.
Please call our Jones Act claim law firm toll-free at 1-888-586-7041 if you are interested in finding out more about your rights under the law. Suffering injuries due to a capsized vessel can be traumatic, but you do have certain rights to seek financial restitution if an employer’s negligence was partially or fully to blame. Surviving family members of a fatally injured seaman may also have the right to seek a Jones Act Claim. We can help you decide your best course of action.
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Sources: http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/transportation-safety-board-investigating-double-tugboat-sinking and http://www.cornwallseawaynews.com/News/2015-06-22/article-4190898/VIDEO%3A-Two-tugboats-sink-on-river,-says-employee-of-American-Bridge/1