Seafarer files suit for galley injury

A seaman has filed suit after allegedly suffering injuries from unloading groceries in the galley.

Defendants named in the suit filed Aug. 15 in Galveston County Tx. court are Island Operating Co. and Apache Corp.

Louisiana resident Stephen Peck claims that on May 28, while installing an air compressor system on the vessel with co-workers, an employee yanked him off the job and ordered him to the galley to unload groceries.

The Southeast Texas Record reports that while moving a 60-pound milk container, Peck suffered a severe back injury, although the story’s lead line states that court documents cite an injury to his hand.

According to Peck’s suit, he “has been unable to work since.”

The defendants are Apache Corp., the owner of the South Plateau 10, and Island Operating Co., the operator. They stand accused of failing to train their employees, failure to maintain a safe working environment, rushing the work and not assigned enough persons to move the milk.

Peck asks for unspecified monetary compensation and a trial by jury.