According to the Portland Press Herald, a diver died recently following a Portland Harbor accident in which he was struck by a spinning boat propeller.
The news outlet reported that the victim died on October 7, as he was attempting to remove rope that was tangled on the propeller of a 65-foot fishing boat. As he was working on removing the line from the vessel, the engine was allegedly running and the propeller became engaged.
A local commercial divers association said that basic safety guidelines used in the industry might not have been followed, which could have contributed to the man’s death, according to the Press Herald.
The accident took place while the vessel was moored at the Portland Fish Pier. One diving expert told the Press Herald that working underwater on a vessel’s propeller requires no fewer than three people. He said that this is the minimum required by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration during commercial repairs.
Additionally, the expert told the Press Herald that divers often utilize lockout/tagout procedures, in which they physically lock out someone’s ability to active a vessel’s engine during work. An official with OSHA said that the agency has been made aware of the incident and is reviewing the case.
If You Have Been Injured By a Boat Propeller, Our Nationwide Maritime Attorneys Can Help You
In August, we discussed the dangers of boat propellers and how you can avoid an injury incident when operating a vessel. Keep in mind, a typical three-blade boat propeller runs at 3,200 rpm and can inflict 160 strikes in one second, according to BoatSafe.com. This can lead to catastrophic cuts and/or amputations if an active one encounters a person.
If you have been injured in a recreational boat propeller accident or while repairing one on the job, speak to our maritime attorneys about your legal rights. You may be able to file a claim seeking damages. Any money you obtain could help you pay for injury treatment, which can be expensive, especially if you lose a limb.
Furthermore, if your loved one is killed in a propeller incident, you may be able to seek damages for his or her lost income, especially if the accident occurred at work. Our maritime law firm represents victims nationwide. Contact our maritime trial lawyers today and tell us about your case. We are here to help.
Latti Associates LLC – Nationwide Maritime Attorneys