On Sep 9, a settlement exceeding $16 million was reached in the lawsuit regarding the fire aboard the H'Hoegh Xiamen' in Jacksonville on June 4, 2020, between 11 firefighters of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the owner Hoegh Autoliners, operator Grimaldi Deep Sea, and port services companies Horizon Terminal Services and SSA Marine. During the fire fighting operation, an explosion occurred which had injured some of the firefighters. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an investigation and found several reasons that caused the fire with the major issue being the crew, who did not adhere to Grimaldi's policy of disconnecting the car batteries. The NTSB stated that a fire that caused an explosion was caused by a spark from a car battery aboard the vessel. The other issue noted was the crew's lack of understanding of how to contact the local emergency authorities. The firefighter's lawyer alleged that the crew had limited or no proficiency in English. The fire detection system was also found to have been deactivated after the loading operation resulting in delay for requesting assistance . In August 2020, the vessel along with its cargo of 2420 vehicles were declared a total loss of $40 million. Pajcic & Pajcic, a law firm presenting the firefighters, stated that the settlement was negotiated and finalized with each defendant involved in the lawsuit. Hoegh Autoliners reached a confidential settlement with the firefighters. The final settlement was made before the start of the trial.
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KNIDOS
While the cause of the collision with the 'Nadeen' was not yet known, the 'Knidos' was in a very bad situation in the Arabian Gulf. It could sink after being hit by the bulk carrier. The 13 crew members of the 'Knidos' were able to evacuate on the lifeboats and were picked up by the 'Nadeen', which is currently anchored off Dubai. The 'Knidos', hit at its stern, was suffering from a water ingress and flooding of the engine room.
HARMONY OF THE SEAS
On Sep 8, 2024, a 12 year old boy plunged to his death aboard the 'Harmony of the Seas'. He was playing with friends that he had made on the cruise when he toppled over the railing of his family’s 14th floor room, landing head-first six decks below in the Central Park area of the ship, a busy plaza filled with bars, shops and restaurants.. The accident happened on the last night of a seven-day cruise of the vessel. Staff tried to resuscitate him. but he died before the ship was able to dock in Texas. The boy was on the cruise with his family, including two sisters, for a birthday celebration.
GOGLAND REEFER
The Russian "Gogland Reefer" entered Ålesund and anchored on Sep 10, 2024. The background was that an injured person needed medical attention. The ship was subject to a routine border control in this regard.
NADEEN
While the cause of the collision with the 'Nadeen' was not yet known, the 'Knidos' was in a very bad situation in the Arabian Gulf. It could sink after being hit by the bulk carrier. The 13 crew members of the 'Knidos' were able to evacuate on the lifeboats and were picked up by the 'Nadeen', which is currently anchored off Dubai. The 'Knidos', hit at its stern, was suffering from a water ingress and flooding of the engine room.