Moored Boat Sinks in Marina

The Port Orchard Railway Marina in Washington had a mishap last December resulting in both property and environmental damage. A 85 foot vessel sank while moored. The initial report indicate a valve severed causing the boat to fill with water and sink. The wood vessel sank with about 300 gallons of diesel fuel on board. An oil containment boom was deployed to keep the approximately 50 gallons of fuel from spreading further into the waterway. The state Department of Ecology and the U.S. Coast Guard deployed absorbent pads to collect oil on the surface of the water while an aircraft provided aerial coverage to determine the extent of the contamination. That was the second time in less than a week a moored vessel sank at that facility.

Who is Responsible When a Boat Sinks in a Marina?

This is a complicate question that can only be answer after analyzing the specifics of each incidence. Having two ships sink in less than a week raises questions about the marina's responsibility. The vessel in the story above was built in 1926. Did the owner properly maintain the vessel? Once liability is determined, the next step is assessing the financial damages.

Marina Insurance Disputes

When a ship sinks in a marina, monetary damages may be sought for damages to the ship, the marina and the environment. As the costs of property damage increase, the reluctance. Insurance companies don't make profit goals by writing million dollar checks every time a boat sink in a marina. The expense of making repairs to the facilities, raising the sunken vessel or making environmental reparation can be far more than a business can afford. This is why insurance is mandated. If you are are facing an insurance dispute due to a incident like this in a marina, call the Clore Law Group now.