Burns

Published on: August 25, 2024

Fisherman Sustains Severe Burns on the F/V Mariah K

On August 20, 2024, a fishing vessel caught fire about 50 miles off the coast of Brookings, Oregon. The MARIAH K was carrying three fishermen at the time of the blaze. Crew member Emanuel Silveira is currently in critical condition after suffering severe burns.

According to Petty Officer Briana Carter of the U.S. Coast Guard 13th District, the fire was reported by the nearby sportfishing vessel, ELI’S TIDE at approximately 8 p.m. The crew of ELI’S TIDE also assisted with rescue efforts.

The three fishermen jumped overboard and were rescued by a 47-foot motor lifeboat from the Chetco River Coast Guard Station. One rescued crewmember required a medevac by the Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay aircrew, and all three were transported to UCSF Health Saint Francis Hospital in San Francisco. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Published on: February 10, 2020

Crewmember Sustains Severe Burns on the F/V Bountiful

by Joseph Stacey

A 43-year-old man was medevaced after sustaining severe burns while aboard the F/V BOUNTIFUL. The vessel was located approximately 46 miles southwest of Saint Paul, Alaska at the time of the injury.

Watchstanders received the call at approximately 9:56 a.m. that a crewmember had been severely burned. After a brief consultation with the Coast Guard duty flight surgeon, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak was launched. The injured man was safely hoisted then flown to Saint Paul and transferred to awaiting emergency medical personnel at approximately 2:56 p.m. A further transport to Anchorage was required for further medical treatment. Weather on the scene was reported as 8-12 foot seas, wind at 46 mph, with 12 miles of visibility.

Injuries caused by marine fires and explosions are some of the most painful and debilitating types of injuries. Burns can cause serious and permanent harm and must be treated immediately. Victims who suffer these types of injuries are protected by Federal Maritime Law. Seamen, fishermen, and crewmembers who are injured due to unseaworthiness or negligence are entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, psychological injuries, lost wages, lost wage-earning capacity, disfigurement, vocational retraining, and future health care expenses. In nearly every case, the injured party is entitled to maintenance and cure which includes the payment of all necessary medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. It should be noted that injured crewmembers also have the right to choose their own doctor/physician.

Published on: September 25, 2018

Crewman Suffers Burns, Medevaced to Anchorage

by Joseph Stacey

A 28-year-old crewmember was medevaced to Anchorage, Alaska after suffering burns while working on the EVER LIVING vessel incinerator on Saturday, September 22nd. Coast Guard 17th District Command Center watchstanders received an alert via email regarding the injuries. The Coast Guard duty flight surgeon recommended a medevac based on the man’s symptoms.

The 1,099-foot bulk carrier EVER LIVING was about 621 miles from Dutch Harbor at the time of the alert. The shipmaster was directed by watchstanders to navigate toward the Dutch Harbor station to cut down on transit time. A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew was able to meet the carrier approximately 57 miles southeast of Dutch Harbor, then transport the injured worker to Anchorage for medical treatment.

“We had the Ever Living transit toward Dutch Harbor to get within range of the Dolphin helicopter crew and to lessen the flight time for the injured crew member,” said Chief Petty Officer Seth Caron, District 17 operational unit controller. “We hope he gets the necessary care needed and makes a full recovery.”