Mariner injured in Man Overboard Drill sues BP

 An offshore worker is suing BP Exploration & Production Inc. and Danos & Curole Marine Contractors after being injured in a Man Overboard Drill.

James G. Young II worked aboard the Thunder Horse PDQ as a marine operation technician. He was attached to a fleet that included a fast response craft (FRC) and 60 to 80 passenger lifeboats. On April 3, 2010, he was taking part in the drill on the FRC as part of a four man crew even though the craft reportedly was only designed to carry three persons. Young claims he had to stand inside the craft and hold onto a railing connected onto the center console.

During the drill Young was thrown overboard when the FRC was struck by a wave, resulting in an injury to his right shoulder.

He asks for damages for physical pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, loss of wages and economic opportunity, loss of enjoyment of life, physical and vocational rehabilitation, court costs and interest.

The defendants are charged with negligence for operating the craft dangerously, failure to properly train their workers to operate safely, failure to operate the craft according to industry standards and manufacturer requirements, lack of a safe working environment  and violation of OSHA and Coast Guard regulations.

Young filed the case in Lafourche Parish District Court on March 25 but it was removed to New Orleans federal court on April 28.

Source: Louisiana Record