Barge Worker Killed in Conveyor Belt Accident

Posted in Barge Accidents,Jones Act,Maritime Accidents,Michigan Maritime News,Tug Boat Accidents on November 5, 2013

LUDINGTON, MI — Officials reported that a 37-year-old Pentwater man was killed after being tangled in equipment onboard a barge on Sunday on Lake Michigan.

The Tug Undaunted and Barge P.M. 41 were heading north near Ludington on Sunday afternoon, November 3, when the U.S. Coast Guard received a call about the man’s death.

The worker, identified as Michael Douglas of Pentwater, died in a conveyor belt accident aboard a barge on Lake Michigan while heading from Muskegon to Charlevoix.

According to an investigation by Michigan State Police Hart Post, along with witness statements, indicated that Michael Douglas was conducting mechanical maintenance on a conveyor system when he became entangled in the machine. The barge was hauling ash.

The accident remains under investigation at this time.

Blog post by barge injury lawyer Gordon, Elias & Seely, LLP