Investigations and Litigation Follow S.S. El Faro Tragedy

Abstract

On October 1, 2015, the U.S. flag cargo ship El Faro sank with all hands in the Atlantic Ocean east of The Bahamas, during Hurricane Joaquin. The casualty is under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board. In response to claims by families of some of the 33 crew member, the vessel owner invoked the U.S. Shipowner Limitation of Liability Act. Events leading up to the tragedy will be given strict scrutiny in the coming months.

Keywords: El Faro, Limitation of Liability, Vessel, Merchant Marine, Coast Guard, NTSB, Hurricane Joaquin

JEL Classification: K10, K41, L92