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Pirated Ship's Cook Sues Over Safety Regs

Says Maersk owner refused to arm sailors or provide security

By the Associated Press

Posted Apr 27, 2009 4:53 PM CDT

(AP) – A member of the crew on the US-flagged ship hijacked by African pirates sued the owner and another company today, accusing them of knowingly putting sailors in danger. Richard E. Hicks alleges in the suit that owner Maersk Line Limited and Waterman Steamship Corp., which provided the crew, ignored requests to improve safety measures for vessels sailing along the Somali coast.

Hicks was chief cook on the Maersk Alabama. He asked that the two companies improve safety for ships by providing armed security or allowing crew members to carry weapons. "We've had safety meetings every month for the last three years and made suggestions of what should be done and they have been ignored," Hicks said. "I'm just trying to make sure this is a lot better for other seamen."

Richard E. Hicks, the chief cook on board the Maersk Alabama, speaks after filing a lawsuit Monday, April 27, 2009 in Houston.
Richard E. Hicks, the chief cook on board the Maersk Alabama, speaks after filing a lawsuit Monday, April 27, 2009 in Houston.   (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Crew members of the merchant vessel Maersk Alabama arrive at the international airport at Mombasa, Kenya.
Crew members of the merchant vessel Maersk Alabama arrive at the international airport at Mombasa, Kenya.   (AP Photo)
Crew members of the Maersk Alabama.
Crew members of the Maersk Alabama.   (AP Photo)
FBI and USA government officials on the Maersk Alabama.
FBI and USA government officials on the Maersk Alabama.   (AP Photo)
Richard E. Hicks, right, the chief cook on board the Maersk Alabama, listens to his attorney Terry Bryant speak after filing a lawsuit Monday, April 27, 2009 in Houston.
Richard E. Hicks, right, the chief cook on board the Maersk Alabama, listens to his attorney Terry Bryant speak after filing a lawsuit Monday, April 27, 2009 in Houston.
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
MrsK
Apr 28, 2009 1:32 AM CDT
Hooray!! I hope he wins. Then just maybe people will starting toting guns again without stigma. Who else will protect us if we don't protect ourselves?
jaguarj
Apr 28, 2009 1:09 AM CDT
Annie! Get your Gun!!!! Mrs.K

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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