Maritime Accidents

Accidents are the other side of any mode of transport. Accidents occur due to negligence; the effects are long lasting. Road, rail and aircraft are certain types of accidents we are familiar with. Similarly, we also have maritime accidents. However, unlike other accidents, there are several types of maritime accidents.Vast oceans result in numerous accident variations. The effects of the marine accidents are not only on human beings but also on the marine creatures, marine environment and ecosystem. There are many types of marine accidents –few are listed below:

Offshore Oil Rig Accidents

RecentGulf of Mexico oil spill is an offshore oil rig accident. They constitute great danger in terms of machinery and complex processes involved. A minor error can lead to huge worldwide consequential losses.

Commercial Fishing Accidents

Commercial fishing can lead to fatal incidents. Fishermen – sometimes even experienced – can fall overboard. Harsh weather conditions can cause severe damages to commercial fishing expedition.

Cruise Vessel Accidents

Cruise vessels = vacation planning for people. They could capsize or face tough weather conditions. Statistics reveal that nearly 75% of fires are caused due to negligence of workers on cruise ship.

Accidents on Tugboats

Tugboats help move huge ships to enter docks. They are small but powerful to ensure large vessels are handled safely. Sometimes due to blockage of visibility results in maritime accidents. Error on the part of tugboat’s pilot can lead to mishaps.

Ship Grounding Accidents

Ship grounding occurs when the bottom of the ship’s hull scrapes through the ocean-bed. This accident impacts ship’s hull and the overall oceanic area where the grounding happens. Danger to workers aboard is a consequential loss.

Oil Tanker & Cargo Ship Accidents

Explosions are major cause of accidents on tankers. Since the nature of materials transported are dangerous and inflammable, even a minor of explosion can cause enormous loss. Statistics state that 80% oil tanker accidents are due to workers’ negligence.

Maritime Accidents due to Drugs and alcohol

Drug abuse in the marine world causing irreparable damage. If the ship workers engage in drugs or alcohol, the addiction-induced frenzy could cause erratic behavior leading to accidents.

Crane Accidents

Marine crane operations either on ports or on ships are risky. The risk is further stressed through faulty wires resulting in loss of life or permanent total disability. Alternatively, accidents are also caused due to worker’s negligence and inexperience.

Accidents in Shipyards

Shipyard is a place where ships are assembled and constructed. Fitting and welding accidents are common; they may spare life but hamper worker’s overall working abilities. Similarly, constant inhaling of poisonous fumes is another cause of shipyard accidents.

Accidents on Diving Support Vessels

People who explore mysteries of deep sea use a diving support craft for diving. However, if either the support craft or the crew who oversees the operation effectively is unfit results in major accident.

Barge Accidents

Barge accidents occur due to the overall build of the barges themselves, as it limits movement in water. Sometimes due to problems with barge-towing equipment. These accidents are due to inexperience or usage of faulty towing cables.

Cargo Hauling Accidents

Cargo hauling accidents are faced by cargo hauling workers. However, several maritime accident investigations report that cargo hauling workers overstate injuries. Hence, in this area work-place absenteeism is common.

 

Thus from the above brief accident descriptions it can be observed that worker negligence is the chief cause of accidents. But to establish the actual cause of an accident, a maritime accident investigation is necessary. This helps to establish the actual cause of the accident to enable the injury claimants to claim the rightful due.