Maritime News

Coast Guard Rescues Seaman Injured on Lake Erie Bulk Carrier

Posted on Apr 05, 2011

The U.S. Coast Guard transported a seaman who injured his hand while working aboard a bulk carrier on Lake Erie.

The maritime accident occurred at about 8:23 a.m. on Monday, April 4. Fredrick Funck, 61, was a crew member aboard the American Integrity, a 1,000-foot, U.S.-flagged bulk carrier. He injured his hand while working onboard the vessel. The crew contacted the Coast Guard for assistance.

Four officers were sent on a Coast Guard response boat. The Coast Guard crew met the American Integrity just outside of the Cleveland Harbor break wall. Mr. Funck was brought to Station Cleveland Harbor and local emergency medical technicians took him to the hospital for treatment.

Because offshore workers have very physical jobs, Jones Act seamen are at high risk for hand injuries. Hands can get crushed between heavy objects, compressed in machinery, burned in boiler rooms, or tangled in mooring ropes. Very serious hand injuries may prevent a seaman from being able to work.