Tanker Officer Indicted for Causing Death of Crew Member

The U.S. Department of Justice issued a press release reporting that the Chief Officer of the U.S. tanker TRINITY has been indicted for causing the death of a crewmember during a tank cleaning operation through misconduct, negligence, and inattention to duty. The Chief Officer allegedly directed the crewmember to enter and clean a cargo tank despite the fact that he knew or should have known that the atmosphere in the tank contained dangerous levels of combustible gas. The crewmember entered the tank as directed, was overcome and died. An indictment represents charges brought by a grand jury and must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt by the United States in a jury trial. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant could face up to 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 criminal fine. Source: HK Law