Maritime Accident News

Judge Awards $46K Payout in Tugboat’s Huge $6 Million Lawsuit

A  Brooklyn federal judge has reached a decision in regards to the tragic 2003 Staten Island Ferry crash that resulted in a $6 million lawsuit filed against the city. The horrific maritime accident claimed the lives of 11 people and left several others injured.

The Dorothy J. tugboat had responded to the fatal 2003 accident and provided aid and support to those involved in the ferry crash. In 2006, the owners and crew sued the city for $6 million citing an old maritime law that encourages mariners to come to the aid of other boaters in distress with financial compensation as a reward.

However, the reward wasn’t as big as the owners and crew of the Dorothy J. expected. In his ruling, Judge Edward Korman awarded the plaintiff’s a total of $46,203.33, to be divided three ways. Judge Korman decided that the Dorothy J. did not provide that much assistance after all.

“The only assistance that the Dorothy J. rendered that justifies a salvage award of any kind is the comfort that its presence provided the passengers and crew," Judge Korman wrote in his decision. “Though perhaps emotionally draining, the labor required during the salvage operation was not exceptionally demanding."

Currently, private ferry and cruise-boat operators are working with the city, state and federal government for compensating those who provide assistance in similar maritime accidents.

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