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Who is liable for sea accidents?
An experienced diver from Tustin, California set off on the charter diving trip on the Sundiver Express. It was nearly her 1,000th dive, but it turned out to be her last. Now, the family members of the diver lost at sea have filed suit against the Sundiver and the captain who it believes acted negligently that day in failing to add the diver to the passenger roster. Our Los Angeles boat and cruise ship accident attorneys discuss this troubling case and issues of liability surrounding accidents at sea.
Lost at Sea
The Sundiver ship set off in the morning hours with a ship full of divers. Laurel Silver-Valker was among the passengers, but for some reason her name was not on the initial passenger roster. Silver-Valker entered the water with the captain’s help. She dove alone that day. It wasn’t until the boat had moved onto its second dive location that the captain realized Silver-Valker was missing. The ship returned to look for her, but by then it was too late. She was never seen again.
Further investigations since Silver-Valker’s disappearance reveal that she was not the first one to be left behind by a Sundiver ship. Another diver was left behind off Newport Beach in 2004. He sued the company and was awarded $1.68 million in damages. Now, Silver-Valker’s family is similarly filing suit against the company that it believes is responsible for the loss of a beloved family member.
Boat and Cruise Ship Accidents
Setting off on a boat or cruise ship can be an exciting experience for Californians of all ages. While most boating excursions are relatively safe, accidents can certainly happen at sea. Boat and cruise operators have a responsibility to act in a reasonable manner to protect passengers. When a captain or crew member acts negligently and injuries or death results, they can be held accountable.
If you or a loved one is injured on a cruise ship, boat, or ocean related excursion, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will assist you with investigating the crash and seeking the compensation you deserve.