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Zehl & Associates Retained by Crewmember Severely Injured When Miss Peggy Capsized in Houston Ship Channel

Houston Maritime Injury Lawyers

The Undefeated Houston Maritime Injury Lawyers at Zehl & Associates have been retained by a crewmember who was severely injured when the Miss Peggy tugboat capsized and sank in the Houston Ship Channel last Friday afternoon.

According to a lawsuit recently filed by the firm in the District Court of Harris County, the injured seaman is seeking damages from Houston Fleeting Services, the owner of the Miss Peggy, as well as several other Defendants that owned, operated, and/or managed the Yangzee 7, a bulk carrier allegedly involved in the fatal incident.

Miss Peggy Capsized and Sank Near Lynchburg Ferry Crossing

The  Miss Peggy capsized at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 19th, while positioned near the Lynchburg Ferry crossing on the Houston Ship Channel. Within just 15 minutes, the 55-foot tugboat had sunk below the waterline.

Five crewmembers were aboard the vessel at the time. Fortunately, several Good Samaritan boats were nearby and quickly rescued four survivors from the water, including the seaman represented by Zehl & Associates.

“Due to his serious injuries, Plaintiff received substantial medical treatment and, likely, will continue to need substantial medical treatment in the future,” the survivor’s lawsuit alleges.

Remains of Miss Peggy Crewmember Recovered From Houston Ship Channel

The fifth crewmember was reported unaccounted for immediately after the capsizing. Sady, his remains were recovered from the Houston Ship Channel the following afternoon.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the multi-agency search for the missing man encompassed a combined 32 hours, covered 92 nautical miles, and involved assistance from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston Police Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Army Corps of Engineers. 

“Our strongest thoughts and prayers go out to the family, loved ones, and all those involved in this tragic incident,” said Capt. Keith M. Donohue with the Coast Guard. “I also thank all our port and maritime partners for the tremendous cooperation and assistance rendered over these last two days.”

Miss Peggy Capsizing Investigation Focused on Yangze 7 Collision 

The capsized tugboat was successfully raised to the surface and righted using a large crane barge over the weekend. The Houston Ship Channel fully reopened to two-way traffic on July 21st.

The incident remains under investigation. However,  early indications from AIS data and bystander accounts suggest that the Miss Peggy was being overtaken by the Yangze 7 just before capsizing and may have been involved in a collision.   

Undefeated Houston Maritime Lawyers with Billions Won: Call 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consult.

Our hearts go out to those aboard the  Miss Peggy and their families. Our Undefeated Houston Maritime Lawyers are actively investigating this tragedy and will post updates as new information becomes available.

In addition to being undefeated, we’ve won billions for maritime workers injured or tragically killed off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, including Record-Breaking Verdicts and Settlements against the largest maritime companies in the world.

To learn more about our success representing maritime workers and their families, visit our “Results” page or Click Here to see what our clients have said about their experience with our firm.

If you or someone you love were hurt when the Miss Peggy capsized and sank in the Houston Ship Channel, please call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here to send us a confidential email via our “Contact Us” form.

Our Experienced Maritime Attorneys will take the time to answer your questions, explain your rights, and provide all of the information you need to make the best decision for yourself and your family.

All consultations are free, and as we only work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.