Where there is manual work, there is the risk of physical injury. This risk multiplies when the comfort of land is taken away.
Maritime accidents come in many sizes and levels of severity. A recent article from Marine Insight highlights ten common maritime accidents.
Unfortunately, many of the flowing accidents happen due to the negligent mistakes of others. The effects of these incidents can cause physical and emotional stress to workers as well as the marine ecosystems around them.
- Offshore oil rig mishaps: Because of their heavy machinery and complex processes, offshore oil rigs constitute great danger. Even a small error or lack of caution can lead to extremely damaging consequences.
- Cruise vessel mishaps: When going on a vacation, the last thing you expect is to become injured. However, cruise vessels can capsize or face tough weather conditions that cause problems. Workers on the ship also can cause accidents due to negligence.
- Commercial fishing mishaps: Even the most experienced fisherman can run the risk of falling overboard, especially during harsh weather conditions.
- Accidents on tugboats: Tugboats are small but are powerful to ensure they can tow large vessels safely. Because of their size, they may provide limited visibility when towing, increasing the risk of accident.
- Accidents on crude oil tankers and cargo: The major cause of incidents on large cargo tankers is explosions, since the very nature of the materials they transport is dangerous and highly flammable.
- Maritime accidents because of drugs or alcohol: If the workers on a ship engage in alcohol abuse or other drugs, their actions could lead to an unwanted maritime accident.
- Crane mishaps: Just like on land, operating cranes in the ocean can be risky and calls for extreme caution. Negligence in crane repairs or operating can leave workers with painful injuries, or worse.
- Accidents in shipyards: Welding and fitting accidents are common in shipyards. These accidents, along with the inhalation of fumes, could impair a worker’s ability.
- Accidents on diving support vessels: Exploring the depths of the ocean can be dangerous already, but if someone in the craft or crew is unfit to maneuver the vessel, a serious accident can occur.
- Accidents on barges: Barges have limited maneuvering capabilities on the water and cause many accidents. Problems with barges often result from this lack of steering ability and faulty barge-towing equipment.
This is only a short list of types of maritime accidents, with many more not mentioned. Workers and operators play a major role in causing accidents, often more than faulty equipment. In order to find out what caused a marine accident, maritime accident investigation is necessary.
If you have been involved in any type of maritime accident, contact an experienced maritime attorney.
