Maritime News & Law

Published on: August 5, 2025

Titan Submersible Implosion Was “Preventable,” Says Final Coast Guard Report

On August 5, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation released its report on the Titan submersible loss. The sub imploded in June 2023 while on a dive to the Titanic, killing all five people on board.

The Report of Investigation (ROI), which is over 300 pages long, details the key findings and contributing factors that led to the incident. It also includes 17 safety recommendations. These recommendations are designed to improve oversight of submersible operations, enhance coordination among federal agencies, and address differences in international maritime policy.

Based on the U.S. Coast Guard report, OceanGate’s director of marine operations, who was responsible for crew and client safety, testified that the company ignored his safety concerns. He stated that the company prioritized “image and marketing” over building a safe and reliable operation.

Published on: March 11, 2025

How to Choose the Right Maritime Injury Lawyer

by Joseph Stacey

Selecting the right maritime injury lawyer requires careful consideration and research. Prioritizing expertise, experience, effective communication, and transparency will significantly enhance the likelihood of obtaining fair compensation and justice for your injuries. Your choice of attorney can make all the difference in achieving a successful resolution to your maritime injury claim.

Specialized Maritime Law Experience

The first and most crucial factor is choosing a lawyer who specializes in maritime or admiralty law. Maritime injury cases are governed by unique federal laws like the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and principles like Maintenance and Cure. An attorney experienced in these complex statutes can better evaluate your situation, navigate jurisdictional nuances, and effectively advocate for your rights.

Published on: January 14, 2025

$7,000,000 Featured Verdict Awarded in Maritime Injury Case

by Joseph Stacey

Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC was honored to be highlighted by ALM as the Featured Verdict on a recent case. Working with Andrews Buchsbaum in New York, Stacey & Jacobsen secured a $7,000,000 verdict for a permanently injured oiler in the featured case, Goss v. Sealift Inc., No. 1:19-cv-05123-CLP (E.D.N.Y. 2024). This case addresses maritime law, issues of workplace safety, employer negligence, the unseaworthiness of a vessel and its procedures, and the rights of seamen under U.S. law.

Jay Goss, an oiler employed by Sealift Inc., sustained a severe injury while performing his duties. Mr. Goss was ordered by his supervisor to lift a heavy and awkward platform by himself, an act that led to significant and life-long physical damage, even when safety equipment was nearby. Mr. Goss subsequently filed a lawsuit against Sealift Inc., asserting that the company’s negligence and the vessel’s unseaworthiness directly contributed to his injury.

The trial lasted four days and discussed several key issues central to maritime law:

Published on: December 17, 2024

Man Charged with Illegally Harvesting 27 Dungeness Crabs in Washington

by Joseph Stacey

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has apprehended an individual for illegally harvesting Dungeness crabs in the North Sound area of Washington State. A WDFW officer observed the person crabbing from a local pier and conducted an inspection, uncovering 27 Dungeness crabs in the individual’s possession. Of these, 22 were female, which is prohibited to protect the species’ reproductive capacity. Four were undersized, failing to meet the state’s legal size requirements. None of the crabs were recorded on a catch record card, a mandatory requirement for recreational crabbers in Puget Sound to monitor and manage crab populations effectively. After documenting the illegal catch, officials returned the crabs to the water.

This incident highlights the importance of adhering to state regulations designed to preserve Dungeness crab populations. The ban against harvesting female and undersized crabs is a conservation measure aimed at ensuring the species’ sustainability. By allowing female crabs to remain in the ecosystem, the reproductive cycle continues without interruption, supporting future generations. Similarly, protecting undersized crabs enables them to reach maturity and contribute to the population before becoming eligible for harvest.

The requirement for recreational crabbers to use a Dungeness crab catch record card is another vital requirement of the state’s management strategy. These records provide WDFW with essential data to assess crab populations and make informed decisions regarding season openings, closures, and catch limits. Non-compliance with this requirement impedes the department’s ability to manage the fishery effectively, potentially leading to overharvesting and long-term ecological consequences.

Published on: December 2, 2024

F/V Wind Walker Tragedy in Alaska’s Icy Waters

by Joseph Stacey

The icy waters off Alaska proved unforgiving early Monday morning as a tragic chapter unfolded. The F/V WIND WALKER, a 50-foot commercial vessel, capsized near Point Couverden, southwest of Juneau, leaving five crew members unaccounted for and a community dealing with grief and unanswered questions.

The U.S. Coast Guard first received a distress call at 12:10 a.m. on Sunday, December 1^st, 2024. The urgent Mayday message conveyed a grim situation, as the vessel was overturning amid heavy snow, 60 mph winds, and six-foot seas. Attempts to gather more details were met with silence. Shortly after the call, an emergency beacon confirmed the distress signal from the waters of the Icy Strait.

The U.S. Coast Guard launched a large-scale search and rescue operation involving an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, a 45-foot response boat, and additional resources. Crews braved harsh conditions and searched over 108 square nautical miles. Despite their efforts, no sign of the crew was found. The search was suspended Monday morning, pending new information.

Published on: November 19, 2024

NOAA Unveils Plan to Strengthen Seafood Import Monitoring

by Nigel Stacey

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing harms both consumers and fishermen by undermining the seafood industry’s integrity. For fishermen, IUU fishing causes economic losses by flooding markets with illegal seafood, depletes fish stocks through overfishing, and creates unfair competition as illicit operators bypass regulations and compliance costs. Tackling IUU fishing is vital to ensure safe, sustainable seafood and protect fishermen’s livelihoods. For consumers, IUU fishing increases the risk of unsafe or mislabeled products, exposing them to potential health risks.

NOAA has just unveiled an action plan to enhance the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP), working to strengthen the integrity of U.S. seafood imports and fight IUU fishing. This plan follows a comprehensive review initiated in November 2023, during which NOAA worked with over 7,000 stakeholders, including industry professionals, foreign governments, researchers, and non-governmental organizations. The feedback gathered has been instrumental in developing a plan designed to strengthen SIMP’s impact and effectiveness. The plan outlines four primary goals.

Enhance NOAA Fisheries’ Ability to Combat IUU Fishing

Published on: November 12, 2024

US Court Dismisses Alaska Fishing Group’s Halibut Bycatch Lawsuit

by Joseph Stacey

A recent legal battle between the Groundfish Forum, representing the interests of Alaska’s flatfish fishing sector, and the U.S. government over new halibut bycatch regulations ended in favor of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). In a ruling delivered by U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason, the court upheld Amendment 123, a decision that reinforces the government’s approach to managing halibut bycatch in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) fisheries. This case is an example of the tension between regulatory bodies, conservationists, and the fishing industry regarding sustainable practices in one of the world’s most economically valuable fishing zones.

The Alaska flatfish fishing industry, especially its bottom trawling sector, plays a substantial role in the BSAI region. However, the industry has long faced scrutiny over halibut bycatch. Limits have traditionally been a source of contention due to their direct effect on fishery profits and the need to protect halibut stocks, a critical species for commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishers.

“CBSFA has worked for nearly a decade to have the management of halibut bycatch changed to be more responsive to changes in the health of the halibut resource – to be abundance-based – and now we finally have closure,” said CBSFA President Ray Melovidov in response to the ruling.

Published on: September 17, 2024

The Dangers of Commercial Fishing Winches

by Joseph Stacey

Within Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, deck machinery has emerged as a leading source of serious injuries, with winches being a major culprit. In a study prepared by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and published in the Journal of Agromedicine, Volume 28, 2023 – Issue 3, injury data from the past 20 years was analyzed and used to highlight the critical need to develop targeted safety measures.

The study reviewed injury claims submitted to the Alaska Fisherman’s Fund (AFF) between January 1, 2000, and November 1, 2020. Researchers identified 125 traumatic injuries caused by commercial fishing winches, revealing alarming patterns of injury and highlighting the need for practical solutions.

The vast majority of winch-related injuries occurred among male fishermen, who accounted for 94% of the cases. A significant proportion (54%) were under the age of 30, emphasizing the vulnerability of younger, less experienced workers. Over 80% of the injuries took place in Alaska’s salmon fisheries, with specific risks depending on the type of gear in use.

Published on: July 30, 2024

The Supreme Court Trawl Bycatch Decision

by Joseph Stacey

On July 24, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that could reshape fisheries management in Alaska. The decision, centered on trawl bycatch practices, underscores the ongoing tension between environmental conservation and commercial interests. By invoking the legal principle of Chevron deference, the Court has mandated stricter regulations on bycatch, which could have significant implications for both marine ecosystems and the fishing industry.

The case was brought forth by a coalition of environmental groups and Alaskan tribes, who argued that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) was not adequately regulating bycatch under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). Bycatch is defined as the unintentional capture of non-target species during commercial fishing, which can result in substantial ecological harm. The plaintiffs contended that the NMFS’s regulations were insufficient to protect fish populations and the broader marine environment.

Chevron deference, a principle derived from the 1984 Supreme Court case Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., played a crucial role in this decision. Chevron deference dictates that courts should defer to a federal agency’s interpretation of ambiguous statutory language, as long as that interpretation is reasonable. In this case, the Supreme Court evaluated whether the NMFS’s interpretation of the MSA was reasonable and whether it sufficiently addressed the issue of bycatch.

Published on: July 9, 2024

21-Year-Old Fisherman Dies After Becoming Entangled in Fishing Gear

by Nigel Stacey

It is with great sadness that we report the death of a 21-year-old commercial fisherman. On Friday July 5^th, 2024, Corwin Wheeler died after becoming entangled in fishing gear and being pulled overboard and underwater in the Bristol Bay area.

According to Alaska State Trooper spokesman Austin McDaniel, The Department of Public Safety’s patrol vessel received a distress call from the salmon fishermen aboard the F/V ANNY JOY in Kvichak Bay at approximately 12:30 a.m. It was reported that the captain and three other crew members were on board at the time of the incident.

According to Alaska State Troopers, two patrol vessels responded to the scene just as the crew pulled Mr. Wheeler from the water. He had been in the water for about half an hour before being pulled back onto the boat and was unconscious at that time.