Maritime Accident News

Mississippi Shipyard Worker Killed in Tragic Accident

On Monday, January 30, 2012, Lee Thibodeaux, 66, was killed on the job at VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula shipyard. 

Thibodeaux, a sandblaster at the shipyard, was loved and respected by his fellow employees. A co-worker said, “This shipyard was very somber this afternoon. Mr. Thibodeaux was a well-known and well-liked employee of the company and the loss of him has spread through every department at Halter. It was a tragic and violent accident that many of his co-workers witnessed and will be dealing with for a long time.”

The accident which claimed Thibodeaux’s life is currently under investigation. Thibodeaux’s daughter, Beverly Williams, is looking for answers to explain her father’s sudden and unexpected death. She has heard rumors, but will not have the complete story until federal investigations are complete. One report states that Thibodeaux was caught in an explosion and that “part of his face was unrecognizable.”

VT Halter CEO Bill Skinner offered his reaction to the tragic accident that caused Thibodeaux’s death, but not explanation. “Our hearts go out to the Thibodeaux family. We are assisting them in any way that we can,” he said, “We are cooperating with the government on the investigation. Safety is the single most important thing we put into our organization. Our employees are our greatest asset and we certainly care for their safety.”

VT Halter is, unfortunately, no stranger to on-the-job fatalities. Two other employees died in November 2009 in an explosion at the Escatawpa shipyard. OSHA ultimately fined the company for various safety violations totaling more than $1.3 million. 

The maritime accident attorneys at Vujasinovic & Beckcom offer their deepest sympathies for the survivors of the deceased.

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