Maritime Accident News

Chief Steward Files Lawsuit Against Employer After Pirate Attack

An American freighter was overtaken by pirates off the coast of Africa in April.  The pirates tried to take over the cargo ship, but crewmembers were able to fight them off after 12 hours. 

Richard Hicks, chief steward of the U.S. flagged Maersk Alabama freighter, has filed a lawsuit in connection with the pirate attack against his employer.  According to his claim, which was filed in Harris County, the ship’s owner failed to take proper precautions against high seas attacks.  He is seeking at least $75,000 for pain and suffering and compensation for medical expenses and lost wages for his maritime injuries.

The lawsuit is against Mobile, Alabama based Waterman Steamship and Maersk Line, Limited.  Hicks’ petition states that the companies did not provide adequate protection to the crew.  He is hoping that his lawsuit will improve conditions for other seafarers traveling in pirate-infested waters off Somalia.

During the pirate attack on April 8, 2009, Richard Phillips, the ship’s captain, was taken hostage.  He was held by the pirates for five days until U.S. Navy snipers were able to free him after killing three pirates at the same time.

In Hicks’ complaint, he says that the companies relied on “the United States military (and taxpayers) to provide after-the-fact rescue operations at substantially more cost and risk to human life than what would have been incurred by defendants had they provided appropriate levels of security in the first place.”

Hicks alleges that he sustained and suffered physical pain and mental anguish as the result of the pirate attack.

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