The boat, a crowded leisure boat, was cruising in the Gulf, off the coast of Bahrain when the tragic events unfolded.
News reports currently suggest that the boat may have been overcrowded. The boat was a traditional wooden dhow and seemed to have keeled over in still waters less than a mile from the coast. Passengers were celebrating following the completion of a building contract in Bahrain. The Construction Company, Nass-Murray & Roberts had organised the event.
Whilst the Coastguard Service of Bahrain began an immediate rescue operation and were on the scene within minutes, it seemed that many of those dead were trapped in the bottom level of the boat.
“This is an absolutely dreadful series of events which has led to the loss of many lives unnecessarily. The families of those left behind will have much to come to terms with. No doubt there should and will be an inquiry into this tragic event. I would expect that there will follow a personal injury claim to provide financial support for those who have lost loved ones. A personal injury claim will not, however, right was has occurred here and I expect the families will look to the Bahrain police and government to consider criminal proceedings against those involved if justified.” said Jill Greenfield.
The Personal Injury Practice at Fieldfisher has acted for many victims involved in tragedies abroad, including the air disasters in Nepal, Surat Thani and Zambia. They have also acted in the Southall and Paddington train crashes and are currently assisting those involved in terrorist bombs abroad recently highlighted by the BBC One “Real Story” programme.
You can find out more information about our Personal Injury Practice, please visit our personal injury section. You can also read more about our experience and expertise in catastrophic incident claims.