Maritime Law Blog

Two ships collide, crew feared dead - the dangers facing mariners on busy waters

A serious offshore accident in the Straits of Malacca highlights the dangers that maritime workers face when operating a vessel in busy waterways, either in US or international waters.

On August 18 a tanker carrying naphtha, a flammable light petroleum product, collided with a bulk carrier while navigating through the strait.  The crash caused the tanker to catch fire, and nine missing crew members are thought to have perished in the blaze.

Sixteen other crew members were rescued by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, but rescuers have given up hope that they will find the remaining crew alive.  So far two dead bodies have been recovered.

What happened in this case?  Why did two large vessels collide with one another in a well-traveled body of water?  Maritime accident experts are investigating the case, trying to determine what caused the two ships to crash.

If you or someone you know is hurt in a maritime accident, it is important that you know you have rights.  Don’t let your employer, the vessel owner, their insurance company, or their lawyers push you around.  Sadly, many companies seem all too willing to put profits before people – but this doesn’t have to happen to you.

Want to find out how to protect yourself?  Please order our FREE book “Employee’s Guide to Maritime Injury Law” – that’s right, it is completely free – so you can arm yourself with the facts.