Vessel transfer by chain fall leads to crew injury lawsuit

A seaman recently filed a lawsuit against PBC Management after being hurt during a transfer into a skiff—by way of chain fall.

The alleged incident took place on May 13, 2009 near Morgan’s Point in Galveston Bay. Michael Smith, a crewmember aboard the M/V Grace Nicole, was being transferred from the vessel onto a skiff in rough seas. A chain fall was reportedly used by the captain to lower the skiff into the water and crewmembers were expected to board it by climbing over the rail.

During the transfer, Smith fell to the bottom of the skiff and suffered a major right knee injury.

PBC is accused of negligence for: failure to provide a safe working place, lack of safe and efficient means of egress, failure to provide a sufficient, competent and adequate crew, unseaworthy vessel and improper navigation for debarkation operations.

Smith asks for physical and mental pain and suffering, medical expenses, maintenance and cure, loss of income and earning’s capacity, court costs and attorney’s fees.

The case was filed May 24 in New Orleans federal court.

Source: Louisiana Record