Shipfitter Failed to Prove Shipowner Breached Duty

A shipfitter lacked sufficient evidence to render a shipowner liable for a flash fire that occurred while welding inside of a ship’s ballast tank, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled. Case: Green v. United States of America, No. 10-11833 and 10-11975, 3/22/11. Unpublished.Facts: Joel Green, a first class shipfitter for North Florida Shipyard, was burned while working inside the M/V Cape Edmont, a ship owned by the United States. The spark used to ignite his cutting torch ignited gas that had accumulated in the ballast tank he was working in, causing a flash fire. Green managed to esc...