The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
Located along the Gulf Coast of the United States, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is the site of heavy barge and tug boat traffic. This navigable inland waterway spans approximately 1,050 miles from Apalachee Bay Florida to Brownsville, Texas. The man-made canal was completed in 1949 and serves as a major shipping route for commercial vessels. Each year millions of tons of goods are transported over the waterway, including iron and steel, petroleum, fertilizers, building materials, and other bulk commodities. The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway is heavily traveled by recreational boaters and also provides workboats and other commercial vessels with access to major offshore drilling operations.
There is a number of ports located on or near the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) including:
- Apalachicola, Florida
- Biloxi, Mississippi
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Beaumont, Texas
- Brownsville, Texas
- Carrabelle, Florida
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- Freeport, Texas
- Ft. Meyers, Florida
- Galveston, Texas
- Gulfport, Mississippi
- Houma, Louisiana
- Houston, Texas
- Intracoastal City, Louisiana
- Lake Charles, Louisiana
- Larose, Louisiana
- Mobile, Alabama
- Morgan City, Louisiana
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Orange, Texas
- Panama City, Florida
- Pascagoula, Mississippi
- Pensacola, Florida
- Port Allen, Louisiana
- Port Arthur, Texas
- Port Lavaca – Point Comfort, Texas
- Port of South Louisiana
- Tampa, Florida
- Texas City, Texas
- Victoria, Texas
Work Accidents on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
With so much commercial traffic and congestion, barge workers and other maritime employees who work on the ICW are at great risk for serious injuries. If you are a crew member or other maritime worker who has been injured while working on this waterway it is important to understand all of your legal rights. The laws governing maritime operations and accidents are confusing and are best navigated by an experienced barge injury lawyer. Your accident could change the course of your life forever, so you need to be certain that you have a skilled attorney on your side who can help you recover the financial compensation you need to properly deal with your injuries.
The Willis Law Firm is a recognized leader in Jones Act and maritime injury cases. We have more than 40 years of experience representing individuals who have been injured working on all types of vessels, offshore platforms, and other maritime structures, including barges, tug boats, ships, dredges, and rigs. When you work with our firm you can take comfort in knowing we have the skills, experience, and resources to handle your case no matter how complicated it may be. We will take the time to explain the law in a way that you can understand so that you can make the right decisions for yourself and your family members.
Contact Our Firm Today
If you have been injured on a tug, barge, or any other type of vessel on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) you should discuss your case with a skilled maritime injury lawyer. Our firm handles all types of maritime injury claims, including cases arising under the Jones Act and all other general maritime laws. While you may be hesitant to speak with a lawyer to take legal action, it is important to remember that your employer will be represented by a powerful legal team. At the Willis Law Firm, initial consultations are always free and completely confidential. Contact us today at 1-800-468-4878.
