On June 2, 2025, tragedy struck aboard the POLARIS, a U.S.-flagged Tidewater platform supply vessel, during offshore operations in the Atlantic Ocean. One crew member lost their life despite immediate emergency response efforts by onboard personnel and emergency agencies. While specific details of the incident remain under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard, this unfortunate event underscores the serious risks of offshore platform work.
At Kherkher Garcia, we understand the unique dangers of maritime work and the devastating impact accidents can have on workers and their families. If you or someone you love has been injured while working offshore, you may be entitled to compensation under federal maritime laws. In the article below, our maritime injury attorneys outline the hazards of offshore work, potential causes of accidents, who may be liable, and how an experienced maritime injury attorney can help.
Fatal Incident on Offshore Platform POLARIS
The tragic maritime incident occurred on June 2 aboard the vessel POLARIS, resulting in the death of a crew member during offshore operations. Tidewater confirmed the fatality and stated that emergency response protocols were activated immediately, but despite the efforts of onboard personnel and emergency agencies, the individual could not be saved.
The POLARIS, a DP2 platform supply vessel built in 2014, was later seen moored in New York Harbor. While details of the vessel’s specific operations were not disclosed, POLARIS was likely supporting Equinor’s Empire Wind offshore wind project – an ambitious $5 billion development aiming to power 500,000 New York homes by 2027.
In response to the incident, Equinor Renewables Americas expressed condolences, calling it a “tragic marine accident.” The United States Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the cause of the fatality, and Tidewater has pledged full cooperation. The Empire Wind project had only recently resumed construction after a prior halt under the Trump administration, which paused several offshore wind initiatives due to permitting concerns raised by the Department of the Interior.
No further information about the cause of the accident or the identity of the deceased has been released. Tidewater noted it will provide updates as appropriate. The investigation is ongoing.
The Hazards of Offshore Platform and Supply Vessel Work
Working offshore is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Crews aboard supply vessels like the POLARIS and offshore platforms operate in challenging, high-risk environments, often far from immediate medical help. Common hazards include:
- Rough Weather and High Seas: Storms, swells, and unpredictable conditions can lead to slips, falls, and vessel instability.
- Heavy Equipment and Machinery: Offshore workers regularly operate cranes, winches, and hydraulics—equipment that can cause catastrophic injuries if mishandled or defective.
- Fires and Explosions: Flammable materials and confined spaces increase the risk of deadly onboard fires or explosions.
- Fatigue and Human Error: Long hours, remote locations, and physically demanding tasks contribute to fatigue-related mistakes.
- Falling Overboard: With constant motion and limited guardrails, even experienced workers are at risk of falling into open water.
- Hazardous Substances: Exposure to fuel, lubricants, chemicals, or other toxic substances can lead to long-term health effects.
Common Injuries in Offshore Maritime Accidents
Injuries from offshore accidents can range from mild to life-altering. Some of the most common include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Crush injuries from heavy equipment
- Burns from fires or explosions
- Broken bones and amputations
- Drowning or hypothermia
- Repetitive stress injuries due to demanding physical labor
- Chemical exposure injuries or illnesses
These injuries often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, or long-term disability benefits. In the most tragic cases, like the POLARIS incident, they result in the loss of life.
Who Is Responsible When Offshore Accidents Happen?
Determining liability in offshore accidents can be complex, involving multiple parties. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may lie with:
- Vessel Owners and Operators: Employers must ensure vessels are seaworthy and equipment is properly maintained.
- Third-Party Contractors or Manufacturers: If a defective part or third-party negligence caused the accident, those parties may be held accountable.
- Project Operators or Clients: In some cases, the energy company or project developer (like Equinor, in the POLARIS case) could be liable for failing to ensure safe operations.
- Supervisors or Crew Leads: Improper training, miscommunication, or negligent oversight can lead to injury or death.
Maritime laws offer a number of legal remedies for injured workers or surviving family members, including:
Maritime Laws That Protect Offshore Workers
Offshore workers are typically not covered by standard workers’ compensation laws. Instead, they are protected by specialized federal maritime laws, including:
- The Jones Act: This law allows injured seamen to sue their employer for negligence. If an employer failed to provide a safe work environment or adequate training, they may be held legally and financially responsible.
- The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA): This law allows surviving family members to seek compensation for a loved one’s death that occurred more than three nautical miles offshore due to negligence or unseaworthiness.
- General Maritime Law: Even when negligence isn’t provable, maritime law provides for maintenance and cure, a form of compensation covering daily living expenses and medical treatment until the worker reaches maximum recovery.
Each of these laws includes strict procedural requirements, and failure to act quickly could limit your ability to recover damages.
Why It is Critical to Contact a Maritime Injury Attorney
Following an offshore accident, injured workers or surviving families face enormous physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Unfortunately, many employers and insurance companies work quickly to protect themselves – not the victims. That’s why it is so important to contact an experienced maritime attorney as soon as possible.
At Kherkher Garcia, we help clients:
- Investigate the cause of the accident
- Gather evidence of employer or third-party negligence
- Determine which maritime laws apply to your case
- Handle communications with employers, insurers, and government agencies
- Pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship
We fight aggressively to protect your rights and maximize your recovery, because you deserve justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do after an offshore injury?
Seek immediate medical attention, report the incident to your supervisor, and avoid signing any documents from your employer until you speak with an attorney.
Can I sue my employer for an offshore injury?
Yes, under the Jones Act, you can sue your employer if negligence played a role in your injury.
How long do I have to file a claim?
You typically have three years from the date of the injury to file a maritime claim, but it’s best to act quickly to preserve evidence.
Do I qualify as a “seaman” under the Jones Act?
Generally, if you spend at least 30% of your working time on a navigable vessel in operation, you may qualify as a seaman.
What compensation can I recover?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future earnings, pain and suffering, and, if applicable, wrongful death damages for surviving family members.
Maritime Injury Attorneys Who Stand With Offshore Workers
Offshore platform and vessel workers face some of the most dangerous working conditions in any industry. When accidents happen, the results are often life-changing or life-ending.
At Kherkher Garcia, we understand maritime law and have a strong track record of representing injured offshore workers and their families. We know what’s at stake, and we’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an offshore incident like the one aboard the POLARIS, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Call 713-333-1030 or submit our online contact form to get started. At Kherkher Garcia, we fight for offshore workers and their families because your life and your future matter.
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