Baltimore Bridge Collapse: What Are the Legal Consequences?

Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore

On March 26, a 200-million pound cargo vessel slammed into the iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing a total collapse and sending multiple cars into the Patapsco River. Six people are believed to be dead while another person is believed to be in critical condition at a local trauma center. The injuries suffered…

Written by Nicholas J. Neidzwski on March 28, 2024

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Good Samaritans Save the Day

When a California charter boat began taking on water after hitting a rock, 14 passengers and crew members were told to abandon ship. Thanks to a nearby vessel, the Sea Biscuit, everyone on board was rescued and, later, taken ashore to safety by Coast Guard rescue crews. This story is a good reminder to always…

Written by Nicholas J. Neidzwski on June 29, 2023

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United States Coast Guard Rescues 3 People From Sinking Yacht

On November 1st, the United States Coast Guard rescued 3 individuals from a sinking 72-foot wooden motor yacht not too far from New Haven, Connecticut. The U.S. Coast Guard NYC and Tri-State area Twitter account, @USCG_Tri_State, posted updates on Monday afternoon. “No injuries were reported, but the cause of the flooding is currently unknown.” As…

Written by Doug Williams on November 3, 2021

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Could Passengers of American Jazz Sue After Kentucky Grounding?

Last Wednesday, on July 7th, an American Cruise Lines river cruise ship known as American Jazz found itself run aground near Canton Kentucky. The vessel was carrying around 160 people and was grounded after straying from the main shipping channel. The ship then drifted into a sandbar and was planted there unable to move. The…

Written by Doug Williams on July 12, 2021

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Coast Guard Rushes to Save Containership from Engine Fire in CA

Photo Courtesy of GCaptain and the U.S. Coast Guard On May 14th, 2021 the containership NYK Delphinus was traveling from the Fraser River in Canada at the Port of Vancouver to Oakland, California. This monster ship, measuring at 295 meters in length and 32 meters wide, was built in 2007 as a registered Liberian vessel….

Written by Doug Williams on May 18, 2021

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BOATLAW, LLP Ranks Amongst Expertise Top 21 Workers Comp Firms

We are proud to announce that has been recognized as one of the top 21 maintenance and cure law firms in Seattle, Washington, by Expertise.com. Expertise.com, a trusted platform for connecting individuals with the best professionals in their area, helps more than 10 million customers each month find qualified experts in a range of services,…

Written by Nicholas J. Neidzwski on May 17, 2021

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Coast Guard Educates Commercial & Recreational Fishers on EPIRBs

EPIRB is quite a mouthful as an acronym, but it stands for an extremely important fishing device called an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB). The equipment is designed to transmit a distress signal if you find yourself in need of assistance at sea. When the EPIRB is activated, it will immediately send your location…

Written by Doug Williams on May 10, 2021

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At least 4 Dead After Suspected Smuggling Vessel Overturns in San Diego, CA

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesperson Monica Munoz told CNN they received reports of a smuggling vessel which overturned on May 3, 2021. The boat capsized near the Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma at approximately 10:27 a.m. James Gartland, lifeguard chief for San Diego, told reporters it appeared the boat hit the reef, broke up…

Written by Nicholas J. Neidzwski on May 3, 2021

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Vessel Sinks with Three Aboard Off Washington Coast

On Saturday, March 20, 2021, three men were rescued by a Coast Guard crew after their vessel sank five miles off the coast of La Push, Washington. The three men were found floating around debris without lifejackets late Saturday afternoon when Coast Guard officials rescued them. According to the Coast Guard, the large vessel was…

Written by Alexander Tinder on March 25, 2021

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Commercial Diver Fatality Results from Geoduck Harvesting in Washington State

Commercial Diver, Anthony Gockerell, was tragically killed on the job near Port Angeles, Washington on March 3, 2021.  Gockerell was performing geoduck clam harvesting at the Dungeness West geoduck tract.  He signaled that his surface-supplied umbilical cord, which provides air to the diver, was unable to clear.  The crew believed that the diver had become…

Written by Alexander Tinder on March 8, 2021

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