Tips for Avoiding Pirate Attacks

How a Texas Offshore Injury Attorney Can Help You

Piracy at sea is an ever-growing threat to fishing vessels across the world. Maritime workers and seamen alike are at risk for pirate attacks whenever their vessel embarks on the high seas, and they must always be on guard against attacks. The definition of piracy under international law is any illegal acts of violence or detention or any act of depredation against a vessel that is outside any nation's territorial sea, by persons attacking from another vessel for their private benefits.

Pirate attacks may occur for political purposes, because of business vendettas or simply because of greed. Ship owners and their crews can take certain measures to foresee and avoid pirate attacks and to deter piracy attempts to overtake their vessel. At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we strongly believe in protecting the victims of pirate attacks and those who were needlessly injured because of the negligence of a ship owner or operator. If you or a loved one was injured in a preventable pirate attack, take action today to protect the rights of yourself and your fellow crewmen. A Texas offshore injury lawyer from our firm can help you file a claim so that you can begin to seek compensation for your injuries.

Avoiding Maritime Piracy

The number of pirate attacks on the high seas has been steadily rising for the past couple of years. One of the main contributing factors to this rise is the failure of ship-owners and their crews to take safety measures against pirate attacks. When a ship is taken hostage by pirates, the crewmembers are usually beaten or killed. The serious nature of this type of maritime attack should spur ship captains to take measures to avoid, deter and counter maritime piracy.

The International Chamber of Commerce Commercial Crime Services has compiled a report of proven safety measures that crews can take against pirate attacks. The report encourages ships to always be aware of high risk areas for maritime piracy. Some of most high-risk seas to travel include the waters around Somalia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Iraq and the islands of the Indonesian archipelago. Seamen are to use all available means for a proper all-round lookout, especially when traveling through these dangerous areas. Crews can also increase security and defense by determining a location for a safe muster point in the event of an attack, and providing protection against gunfire to the crew who may have to remain on the bridge during an attack.

Some ships are able to use speed as a deterrent to pirate attacks, and may be able to outrun the pirate ship or deter pirates from boarding the ship. The modern-day pirate crew is usually equipped with global positioning systems, satellite phones, illicit arms and speedboats, so it is important for seamen and maritime workers to be up-to-date on safety measures and preventative tactics.

Contact a Texas offshore injury attorney today!

Modern piracy on the high seas is bloody, ruthless and devastating for its victims. If you have been injured in a pirate attack while working for a maritime employer, it is in your best interest to contact a Texas maritime piracy attorney. Our firm will provide you with vigilant and compelling legal defense during this time of need so that you can have a full recovery from your injuries. It may be discovered that negligence or recklessness on the part of your ship owner or operator is what caused your pirate attack. If you feel that your employer took insufficient safety measures in planning the voyage, assigning lookouts, or equipping your ship to counter a pirate attack, you may have the right to seek compensation.

The team of professionals at Arnold & Itkin LLP offers you a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your pirate attack. We will methodically investigate what safety measures, if any, were taken to prevent your attack and we will build a strong case on your behalf.

When you have been the victim of a ruthless pirate attack on the high seas, contact a Texas offshore injury lawyer at our firm. You may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, so call today!